The European Union has sanctioned three Iranian airlines in response to the Islamic Republic’s shipments of missiles and drones to Russia for the war in Ukraine.
Sanctions on Saha Airlines, Mahan Air, and Iran Air are part of a new package announced on Monday, which includes measures against seven individuals and seven entities.
“The Council adopted today restrictive measures against seven individuals and seven entities following Iran’s missile and drone transfers to Russia,” the EU said in a statement.
“This decision follows the indication by the European Council in March 2024 that, were Iran to transfer ballistic missiles and related technology to Russia for use against Ukraine, the EU would be prepared to respond swiftly, including with new and significant restrictive measures,” it added.
“The listings include three Iranian airlines (Saha Airlines, Mahan Air, and Iran Air) and two procurement firms.
"These are respectively responsible for the transfer and supply, through transnational procurement networks, of Iran-made UAVs and related components and technologies to Russia, to be used in its war of aggression against Ukraine.
“Two companies involved in the production of propellant used to launch rockets and missiles were also listed,” the EU said.
The bloc also sanctioned the Deputy Defence Minister of Iran, Seyed Hamzeh Ghalandari, along with prominent officials of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Qods Force, IRGC Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, and IRGC Aerospace Force Space Division, as well as the managing directors of the EU-listed companies Iran Aircraft Manufacturing Industries (HESA) and Aerospace Industries Organization (AIO).
Those targeted face an asset freeze and a travel ban to the European Union. The provision of funds or economic resources, either directly or indirectly, to those listed is prohibited.
Iran Air operates direct flights to several European cities, including Frankfurt, Hamburg, Cologne, Paris, and Milan.
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