EU sanctions Iran's defense minister; US targets Iran Aviation Industries

The European Union has imposed new sanctions on a number of Iranian individuals and entities for their alleged role in the "transfer of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to Russia."

In its press release on Friday, the European External Action Service (EEAS) said it has adopted restrictive measures against six Iranian individuals and three entities claiming that their role in transferring drones or missiles to armed groups and entities undermines peace and security in the West Asia and the Red Sea region.

Furthermore, the bloc decided to list Iran's Defense Minister Brigadier General Mohammad Reza Ashtiani and Afshin Khajeh Fard, head of Iran's Aviation Industries Organization (IAIO)

Those targeted will be subject to an asset freeze and travel ban to the European Union. Additionally, the provision of funds or economic resources, directly or indirectly, to or for the benefit of natural or legal persons, entities or bodies listed is prohibited.

On May 14, the European Union expanded its sanctions regime to target Iran’s missile capabilities.

In a statement, the European Council alleged that the sanctions had been imposed on Iran in response to the country’s support for Russia’s war on Ukraine and its supply of missiles and drones to non-state groups in the West Asia region.

Iran has repeatedly rejected accusations that it has supplied weapons to Russia for direct use in the war in Ukraine.

It has also discarded allegations of supplying weapons to anti-Israeli and anti-US groups in the region.

Treasury targets IAIO

The United States also on Friday issued fresh sanctions targeting Iranian entities it accused of "enabling the country's drone program."

In a press release, the US Department of the Treasury said its Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) is targeting four entities it accused of association with OFAC-designated Rayan Roshd Afzar Company (RRA) that have procured critical parts for Iran’s unmanned aerial vehicle program.

OFAC also targets an Iranian executive of Iran Aviation Industries Organization (IAIO).

US Treasury Department Under Secretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence, Brian Nelson, said in a statement that, "Treasury will continue to impose costs on those who seek to procure the components Iran needs for its UAV programs and enable the shipment of these weapons to destabilizing actors around the world," he added.

The Treasury said Afshin Khajeh Fard, chief of IAIO, oversees its efforts to produce drones and missiles.

Khajeh Fard was also sanctioned by the European Union.

Friday's action freezes any of their US assets and generally bars Americans from dealing with them.

Iranian officials have declared that the country will not hesitate to strengthen its military capabilities, including its missile and drone power, which are entirely meant for defense, and that Iran’s defense capabilities will be never subject to negotiations.

Meanwhile, Russia has repeatedly warned that a flow of Western weapons to Ukraine will only prolong the conflict.

Since the start of the war in Ukraine, the US, alone, has pledged more than $44 billion in military aid to Ukraine.

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