US and EU Impose New Sanctions on Russia and Iran for 'Ballistic Missile Transactions'

The United States and the European Union (EU) have imposed new sanctions on Iran and Russia. This move follows recent U.S.-based foreign media reports that Iran has supplied Russia with a large quantity of ballistic missiles.

On the 10th (local time), the U.S. Department of the Treasury announced the addition of 10 individuals and 6 companies from Iran and Russia involved in military support to Russia, including Iran's supply of ballistic missiles to Russia, as well as 4 vessels involved in the transfer of Iranian weapon components and weapon systems to Russia, to the sanctions list. Assets of those sanctioned in the U.S. will be frozen, and transactions with U.S. persons and entry into the U.S. will be prohibited.

Wally Adeyemo, Deputy Secretary of the Treasury, stated, "Today, the United States and its allies are taking coordinated action in response to Iran's reckless decision to proliferate ballistic missiles to Russia," adding, "The missiles supplied by Iran to Russia are used in Russia's invasion of Ukraine."

The U.S. Department of State designated three entities for sanctions, including Iran Air, an Iranian national airline involved in Iran's illegal arms acquisition, and two Russia-based shipping companies involved in arms transactions between Iran and Russia. Additionally, five vessels belonging to Russian shipping companies involved in supplying Iranian weapons to Russia were also sanctioned.

This action follows reports by U.S. media outlets such as The New York Times (NYT) on the 7th, confirming that Iran shipped hundreds of short-range ballistic missiles to Russia. Iran and Russia have denied these reports.

Some U.S. partner countries plan to further restrict Iran Air's operations in their territories. France, Germany, and the United Kingdom are expected to take such measures to limit Iran Air's flights.

The EU has also expressed its intention to respond strongly. The European External Action Service (EEAS), the EU's diplomatic arm, has proposed new sanctions against Iran to EU member states under the direction of Josep Borrell, the High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy. The implementation of these sanctions requires unanimous consent from all 27 member states.

Peter Stano, EEAS spokesperson, said, "High Representative Borrell has continuously warned Iranian partners in bilateral contacts about such (ballistic missile transfers) decisions," pointing out that the transfer of ballistic missiles violates the United Nations (UN) Charter and international law.