UK, Germany, and France to Impose Sanctions on Iran Over Ballistic Missile Supplies to Russia

The foreign ministers of the United Kingdom, Germany, and France have jointly condemned Iran’s supply of ballistic missiles to Russia, describing it as a direct threat to European security. In a statement issued on September 10, 2024, the three European nations pledged to impose sanctions in response to Iran’s actions.

According to The Guardian, the ministers characterized the transfer of Iranian missiles as a significant escalation of Iran’s military support for Russia’s ongoing war against Ukraine. They further stressed that this development exacerbates the war and directly endangers European stability.

“This act is an escalation by both Iran and Russia and poses a direct threat to European security,” the statement read.

As an immediate response, the UK, Germany, and France announced plans to cancel bilateral air agreements with Iran and impose sanctions on individuals and entities involved in Iran’s ballistic missile program and its supply chain. These measures are expected to target the Iranian aviation sector, with particular focus on Iran Air, as confirmed by the foreign ministers.

While Iran has been supplying Russia with drones, it had previously refrained from providing more powerful weapons, likely due to warnings from the US and Europe regarding the consequences of such actions. However, recent reports indicate that Iran has transferred short-range ballistic missiles to Russia for use in Ukraine, raising concerns among Western allies.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken confirmed that Iran had provided ballistic missiles to Russia, further highlighting the likelihood of additional sanctions on Tehran.

The UK, France, and Germany underscored that Iran must immediately cease its support for Russia’s war in Ukraine and halt the development and transfer of its ballistic missile capabilities. They also reiterated that new sanctions against Iran Air and other Iranian entities involved in the defense sector are imminent.

The UK, as part of its response, updated its sanctions list on September 10, adding several Iranian and Russian individuals and organizations, including those linked to Russia’s aerospace and military sectors.