UK Imposes Sanctions on Iran Over Ballistic Missile Supply to Russia

On Tuesday, September 10, the UK government announced new restrictions against Iran in response to its decision to supply ballistic missiles to Russia for use in Ukraine.

As part of coordinated efforts with other Western nations, London has decided to cancel bilateral air transport agreements with Iran, thereby restricting the Iranian airline Iran Air’s flights to the UK.

Additionally, in collaboration with the US, the UK is imposing sanctions on several key individuals and organizations involved in supporting Iran’s military aid to Russia. This includes those participating in the supply chains for ballistic missiles and drones.

Sanctioned individuals include Seyed Hamzeh Ghalandari, Director General for International Relations of the Ministry of Defence and Armed Forces Logistics; Ali Jafarabadi, Head of the Space Command of the IRGC Aerospace Force (IRGC); and Majid Mousavi, Deputy Commander of the IRGC.

The UK is also freezing the assets of several companies connected to Iran's ballistic missile program, including the Anzali Free Trade Zone organization.

Simultaneously, London has imposed restrictions on five Russian vessels involved in transporting military cargo from Iran to Russia, as well as on the 924th State Drone Center of Russia, the Russian Aerospace Forces, and the Military Transport Aviation Command.

Finally, the UK government has announced a new law to strengthen trade sanctions against Iran, targeting goods used in the production of ballistic missiles, drones, and other weapons.

Iran has been supplying Russia with strike drones but had previously avoided providing more advanced weaponry, likely due to warnings from the US and Europe that this would lead to severe sanctions.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken also confirmed that Iran has supplied ballistic missiles to Russia for use in Ukraine, making new sanctions against Tehran inevitable.