On Tuesday, Western nations imposed fresh sanctions on Iran in response to its alleged supply of short-range missiles to Russia for use in the conflict with Ukraine. The United States announced sanctions targeting more than a dozen Iranian and Russian entities, including 10 individuals, six companies, and four vessels linked to Iran’s defense sector and missile deliveries.
Deputy Treasury Secretary Wally Adeyemo condemned Iran’s actions as “reckless” and said the new sanctions are part of a coordinated effort to address the threat posed by these missile transfers. The U.S. Department of State also designated Iran Air and five vessels involved in the proliferation of Iranian weapons systems to Russia.
Britain, France, and Germany joined the sanctions, targeting Iran’s air transport sector and canceling bilateral air service agreements with the Islamic Republic. They described Iran and Russia’s actions as a direct threat to European security.
Iran has rejected the allegations, labeling them as “propaganda” and a distraction from Western support for Israel. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Nasser Kanani accused Western nations of spreading false information to divert attention from their own actions in the Gaza Strip.
In response to escalating tensions, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is scheduled to visit Kyiv on Wednesday with UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy to show support for Ukraine amidst ongoing Russian advances. The UK has also been actively pushing for increased military assistance to Ukraine and has recently announced plans to send additional missile systems.
