France, Germany, and the United Kingdom, collectively known as the E3, along with the United States, have announced new sanctions against the clerical regime following confirmed reports that Tehran has supplied ballistic missiles to Russia. This development marks a significant escalation in the regime’s military support for Russia’s ongoing war against Ukraine and has drawn swift international condemnation.
In a joint statement, the E3 governments strongly condemned the Iranian regime’s export of ballistic missiles and Russia’s procurement of these weapons. “This act is an escalation by both Iran and Russia and is a direct threat to European security,” the statement said, highlighting the increasing danger posed by Iranian missiles reaching European soil. The statement underscored that the Iranian missiles would further worsen the suffering of the Ukrainian people.
The E3 also revealed immediate measures in response to Iran’s missile transfers. These include the cancellation of bilateral air services agreements with Iran and the pursuit of sanctions against key entities and individuals involved in Iran’s ballistic missile program. “We will also work towards imposing sanctions on Iran Air,” the statement added, indicating further economic pressure on Iran’s national airline.
#Iran News in Brief
Based on information received from NCRI, #German newspaper @welt exposes Iran Air's alleged ties to terrorism, implicating the airline in operations dating back to the 1990s. Report suggests Iran Air facilitated fund transfers & weapon shipments for… pic.twitter.com/6CmpNid9PU— NCRI-FAC (@iran_policy) April 6, 2024
During a press conference in London, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken confirmed that new U.S. sanctions would be enacted on Tuesday, reinforcing the E3’s stance. “Iran’s decision to transfer ballistic missiles to Moscow is a dramatic escalation,” Blinken stated. He noted that Russia is expected to deploy these missiles against Ukraine in the coming weeks.
The missiles in question are the FATH-360 close-range ballistic missiles, which have a range of 75 miles. Blinken revealed that Russian personnel had been trained in Iran to operate these weapons, giving Russia new capabilities to target Ukrainian forces. “Russia will now be able to use their own arsenal to hit targets beyond the front lines while using Iranian missiles for closer targets,” Blinken explained.
The U.S. also reiterated its concern about the broader strategic cooperation between Iran and Russia, noting that Tehran has already supplied Moscow with drones used in Ukraine and has been involved in building a drone-manufacturing facility within Russia. Blinken described the Iran-Russia relationship as a “two-way street,” where Russia provides Iran with technology, including support on nuclear and space issues.
"Intelligence obtained by National Council of Resistance of #Iran reveals #IRGC brigadier secretly tasked with control of Iran Air since 2022," wrote @Barnes_Joe via @Telegraphhttps://t.co/YMQJi5vfHD
— NCRI-FAC (@iran_policy) April 5, 2024
In addition to sanctions on Iran Air, Blinken emphasized that anyone assisting Russia in its military efforts is “perpetuating the war.” UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy echoed Blinken’s sentiments, describing Iran’s actions as part of “a troubling pattern” and “a significant escalation” in its involvement in the Ukraine conflict.
Both Blinken and Lammy announced plans to make a joint visit to Kyiv later this week, marking the first such joint visit in over a decade. This visit is aimed at demonstrating continued Western support for Ukraine amid escalating tensions.
The sanctions are part of a coordinated effort between Western allies to hold Tehran accountable for its role in prolonging the war in Ukraine and to mitigate the threat posed by the regime’s military support to Russia.
In his interview with @simayazaditv, British MP @LiamFox said he wants @GOVUK to proscribe #IRGCterrorists and ban #Iran Air from using UK airports. pic.twitter.com/tsPIvfP1EJ
— NCRI-FAC (@iran_policy) May 3, 2023
Despite these confirmations, the clerical regime has denied transferring ballistic missiles to Russia. On September 9, a senior Iranian official described the claims as “psychological warfare,” while Ukraine summoned the regime’s chargé d’affaires, Shahriar Amouzegar, warning of “devastating and irreparable consequences” if the reports were true. The European Union called the intelligence on missile transfers “credible,” dismissing Iran’s denial, with officials pointing to past evidence of Tehran supplying drones to Moscow.
