On Friday 13 September, the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, strongly condemned on behalf of the EU the recent transfer of Iranian-made ballistic missiles to Russia (see EUROPE 13478/9), warning that the EU would adopt sanctions. The Europeans have repeatedly warned Tehran against transferring these missiles.
“The European Union will respond swiftly and in coordination with international partners, including with new and significant restrictive measures against Iran”, explained Mr Borrell in a statement. According to him, the sanctions will cover, among other things, the designation of persons and entities involved in Iran’s ballistic missile and drone programmes and restrictive measures in the Iranian aviation sector. Germany and France have already announced that they are working on sanctions against Iran Air.
The High Representative considered that the transfer of missiles constituted a “direct threat” to European security and represented a “substantial material escalation” in relation to the supply of Iranian drones and munitions used by Russia in its war of aggression against Ukraine.
This transfer “comes in the midst of Russia’s most recent attacks against Ukraine, including with ballistic missiles and drones, which prove its clear determination to continue its brutal war of aggression against Ukraine and its people”, said Mr Borrell. According to him, Iranian ballistic missiles could now be used to cause “further suffering and destruction” in Ukraine. (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)