The EU sees it as proven that Iran has supplied missiles to Russia. Now she’s making a serious threat. Travelers are also affected.
The EU has imposed new sanctions on Iran over its supply of ballistic missiles and drones to Russia. The punitive measures particularly affect the Iranian state airline Iran Air. In the future, it will no longer be able to sell tickets in the EU.
The state airline recently offered several direct flights from Europe to Iran, for example from Frankfurt, Hamburg, Cologne/Bonn and Vienna. This made it one of the few airlines with non-stop connections to Iran.
In addition to Iran Air, Mahan Air and Saha Airlines are also affected by the sanctions. However, both companies recently no longer offered scheduled flights from EU countries to Iran. All three companies are accused of being involved in programs to supply weapons and technology to Russia.
Mahan Air is one of the most popular airlines in Iran. The private airline is considered to be better maintained and more modern compared to other Iranian operators, which are facing challenges due to international sanctions and a lack of spare parts. Mahan Air is said to have a close connection to the Revolutionary Guards, Iran’s elite unit.
Rocket delivery is seen as breaking a taboo
However, Iran will not be completely cut off from the EU by the sanctions. Many business travelers and Iranians flying home from Europe already use connecting connections via Istanbul or Dubai.
The main reason for the new, tough sanctions is the delivery of ballistic missiles to Russia. The European Union had warned Iran several times about this step and sees it as a new breach of taboo. Like the USA and Great Britain, it assumes that the weapons will be used in the war against Ukraine and will then lead to even more suffering and destruction there.
Missiles expand Russian arsenal
According to official US information, the missiles delivered are short-range Fath 360 missiles. They are estimated to have a range of around 120 kilometers and, according to military officials, allow Russia to reserve its own longer-range missiles for other missions.
The Iranian missiles improved Russia’s ability to carry out precision strikes against the Ukrainian military or civilian infrastructure near the front lines, a recent intelligence report from the British Ministry of Defense said. The missiles, which were first presented in 2020, can carry a 150 kilogram warhead and hit their target with an accuracy of supposedly 30 meters.
Sanctions also affect aluminum oxide manufacturers
In the future, no business will be allowed to be done with the companies and people affected by the new EU sanctions. In addition, assets existing in the EU will be frozen and affected people will no longer be allowed to enter the EU. In addition to the three airlines, a research center, a manufacturer of aluminum oxide for solid fuel and procurement companies are among those affected. The listed people include representatives of the aerospace industry, military officials and a deputy defense minister of Iran.
The EU has already imposed sanctions on Iran for a long time because of the delivery of so-called kamikaze drones to Russia. According to intelligence findings, artillery ammunition was also delivered to Russia.
Iran denies the allegations – the federal government counters
Iran denies supplying ballistic missiles to Russia. “I have said this several times and I will say it again: Iran does not supply ballistic missiles to Russia,” said Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi before the sanctions decision. The planned EU sanctions are therefore absurd and merely a pretext to put more pressure on the country.
According to its own account, Iran has “strategic cooperation” with Moscow. However, the Iranian leadership emphasizes that this is not related to the war in Ukraine. Tehran says Iran considers the delivery of military aid to warring parties to be inhumane.
The German Minister of State for Europe Anna Lührmann (Greens) said on the subject in Luxembourg: “There is very clear evidence that Iran has delivered ballistic missiles and that is clearly not compatible with the obligation for peace.” We are committed to ensuring that Ukrainians have the right to decide for themselves about their future. That is why Russia should not be supported militarily.
EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen welcomed the decision to sanction Iran. At the same time, she demanded: “More is needed.”
Source: Stern
I have been working in the news industry for over 6 years, first as a reporter and now as an editor. I have covered politics extensively, and my work has appeared in major newspapers and online news outlets around the world. In addition to my writing, I also contribute regularly to 24 Hours World.
