The United States has enacted new sanctions against Iran’s primary airline, Iran Air, as three key European allies announced similar actions in response to Tehran’s transfer of ballistic missiles to Russia for its conflict in Ukraine.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken previewed these sanctions earlier on Tuesday, denouncing Iran’s missile supply to Moscow as “a dramatic escalation.”
The foreign ministers of France, the United Kingdom, and Germany issued a joint statement on Tuesday, describing the missile transfer as “a direct threat to European security.”
They revealed that their countries would be taking immediate steps to terminate bilateral air service agreements with Iran, which will restrict Iran Air’s access to European and UK airspace.
The joint statement, referring to the three countries as the “E3,” emphasized that they had previously indicated they would impose significant measures if such transfers occurred.
This is not the first instance of the US sanctioning Iran Air, and it remains uncertain whether these latest measures will effectively deter Tehran. Nonetheless, the joint actions are meant to deliver a stern rebuke of Iran’s continued support for Russia’s war efforts in Ukraine.
In addition to the sanctions on Iran Air, the US has also targeted Russian and Iranian officials and companies involved in the weapons transfers.
The Treasury Department announced the designation of “four vessels as blocked property that are facilitating Iran’s delivery of weapons components and systems, including unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and close-range ballistic missiles (CRBMs), to Russia.”
Blinken, speaking at a press conference, noted that the US has recently shared intelligence regarding these findings with its allies and partners. He emphasized that the goal is to ensure that Tehran faces substantial economic repercussions for its actions.
United States Secretary of State – Anthony Blinken (Photo: Alberto Pezzali)
Blinken added, “Anyone who provides assistance to Russia… is perpetuating the war and the conflict,” and reiterated that the US had warned Tehran both publicly and privately about the consequences of such actions.
Blinken revealed that Russian military personnel have been trained in Iran to use the FATH-360 close-range ballistic missile system, which has a maximum range of 75 miles. He indicated that Russia has received shipments of these missiles and is expected to deploy them in Ukraine within weeks.
He explained that the Iranian missiles will enhance Russia’s military capabilities by allowing it to target objectives beyond the front lines, while continuing to use its own arsenal for closer targets.
Iran has previously supplied Russia with hundreds of drones, which have been used in the war against Ukraine. Additionally, Russia has been building a drone-manufacturing facility with Iran’s assistance, and Iran has trained Russia on drone operations.
Blinken criticized the provision of these new missiles as a means to “fuel the war,” adding, “Anyone who is providing assistance to Russia, whether it’s direct lethal aid like Iran or North Korea or support to their defense industry like China, is perpetuating the war and fueling the conflict.”
In exchange for the missiles, Blinken stated that Russia would provide Iran with technology, including on nuclear issues and some space information, calling the relationship a “two-way street.”
As Iran’s destabilizing activities spread, so too does Russia’s influence, creating greater insecurity globally. Blinken reaffirmed that the US has been collaborating with allies to ensure significant economic consequences for Tehran’s actions.
The new sanctions include additional measures against Iran Air, with Blinken reiterating that those aiding Russia are contributing to the ongoing conflict.
Lammy echoed Blinken’s concerns, labeling Iran’s actions as “a troubling pattern” and “a significant escalation.” He and Blinken plan to make a joint visit to Kyiv later this week, marking the first such visit in over a decade.
