France, Germany, and the UK Sanction Iran’s Transfer of Ballistic Missiles to Russia
France, Germany, and the UK have sanctioned Iran for providing ballistic missiles to Russia, stating that they will terminate bilateral air services agreements with Iran and, in addition, put sanctions on Iran Air. This coordinated action has followed U. S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s statement that Russia gets those missiles from Iran and will employ those in the Ukraine war.
The three European countries said that the transfer was a step up in the conflict in the area in a coordinated statement. ”This act is an escalation by both Iran and Russia and is a direct threat to the security of Europe,” the statement stated. They called on the Islamic Republic of Iran to stop arming the Russian Federation’s invasion of Ukraine and stop the production and export of its ballistic missiles.
During his trip to Britain, Blinken reinforced the claim that the U.S. is now taking new measures towards Iran, stressing that they would be aimed at Iran Air. Britain also declared that it would unilaterally abrogate the ASA with Iran to limit Iran Iran Air’s possibilities of organising flights to Britain and Europe.
The British foreign ministry also unveiled a fresh round of sanctions on 30 ships that it said are ‘Russian cargo vessels specially involved in the transportation of Iranian weapons and ammunition to Russia. The measures are, in a broad sense, directed against other countries of the West seeking to remove from Russia a source of materials for its military operations in Ukraine.
These sanctions are not limited to shipping. However, certain individuals and organisations have been blacklisted for enabling Iran’s military supplies to Russia. This involves those involved in the ballistic missile and drone supply chain, which has been vital for the Russia-Ukraine war.
British Foreign Minister David Lammy issued a stern warning: “It has been said many times that direct transfer of ballistic missiles by Iran will not go unnoticed: Today, the US, along with other countries, is exposing this behaviour and its attempt to destabilise the international security.
The new restrictions and sanctions demonstrate enhancing global concern regarding the support of Iran in the war against Ukraine started by Russia, which the latter has been actively increasing despite numerous diplomatic attempts at the peaceful resolution of the dispute.
As the Ukrainian war escalates, other European nations, such as France, Germany, and Britain, are keen to manage outside assistance that will prolong the conflict. This is part of a coordinated approach to making both Iran and Russia answer for activities that are inimical to Europe’s and the world’s stability.
Although many have always criticised Iran for its ballistic missile project and defence cooperation with Russia, the latest episode of Iran’s newfound support for Russia in supplying weapons to Ukraine revolutionises today’s geopolitical agenda of the Ukraine war. The actions of the Western governments are to cut Iran’s ability to support Russia as much as possible and to have Russia understand this is unfriendly and will not be allowed.
These sanctions will remain in force. However, with the termination of air services agreements with EU countries, the overall diplomatic and economic impact of the termination is expected to improve in Iran. On the other hand, global society will keep on fighting Iran’s role in the conflict in Ukraine.
