EU Condemns Iran’s Missile Transfer to Russia as Threat to European Security

September 13, 2024

1 min read

The European Union has condemned Iran's transfer of ballistic missiles to Russia, calling it a direct threat to European security.

According to the EU, Iranian ballistic missiles could now be used "to cause further suffering and destruction" in Ukraine.

"This transfer is a direct threat to European security and represents a substantive material escalation from the provision of Iranian UAVs and ammunition, which Russia has used in its illegal war of aggression against Ukraine," the EU said in a statement on Friday.

The bloc emphasized that it has consistently warned Iran against such transfers and reiterated its firm stance on Iranian involvement in the conflict.

In response to this development, the EU announced plans for "new and significant restrictive measures" against Iran, targeting individuals and institutions connected to the country's ballistic missile and drone programs.

The EU stressed that these actions would be implemented swiftly and in coordination with international partners.

Additionally, the bloc is considering further restrictive measures specifically aimed at Iran's aviation industry services.

"The European Union will respond swiftly and in coordination with international partners, including with new and significant restrictive measures against Iran, including the designation of individuals and entities involved with Iran's ballistic missile and drone programs, and in this regard is considering restrictive measures in Iran’s aviation sector as well."

Diplomatic tensions have also risen, with France summoning the Iranian chargé d'affaires in Paris to protest the missile delivery.

Similarly, the British foreign office summoned the Iranian chargé d'affaires in London to express its disapproval of the ballistic missile transfer to Russia for use against Ukraine.

Earlier this week, the German Foreign Ministry announced that France, Germany, and the United Kingdom would impose sanctions on Iran Air in response to the missile transfer.