Iran: Council broadens EU restrictive measures
The Council decided to broaden the scope of the EU framework for restrictive measures in view of Iran’s military support of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine.
This framework, adopted in July 2023, currently prohibits the export of components used in the construction and production of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) from the EU to Iran, and provides for travel restrictions and asset freeze measures against persons responsible for, supporting or involved in Iran’s UAV’s programme.
In view of Iran’s continuing military support of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine as well as of non-state armed groups in the Middle East and the Red Sea region, and following the Iranian drone and missiles attacks against Israel on 13 April 2024, the Council decided that the EU’s ability to impose restrictive measures will now cover not only UAVs, but missiles too. The EU will now be able to target persons and entities supplying, selling or otherwise being involved in transferring Iran’s missiles and UAVs:
- in support of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine
- used by armed groups and entities to undermine peace and security in the Middle-East and the Red Sea region, or
- in breach of United Nations Security Council Resolution 2216 (2015)
Those targeted will be subject to an asset freeze and travel ban to the European Union. Additionally, the provision of funds or economic resources, directly or indirectly, to or for the benefit of natural or legal persons, entities or bodies listed is prohibited.
Furthermore, it will be prohibited to export further components used in the development and production of UAVs from the EU to Iran.
Background
On 14 April 2024, the EU condemned in the strongest terms the Iranian drone and missile attacks against Israel on 13 April 2024, as an unprecedented escalation and a threat to regional security.
In its conclusions of 21-22 March 2024, the European Council called on third parties, including Iran, to immediately cease providing material support to Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine.
In its conclusions of 17 April 2024, the European Council strongly and unequivocally condemned the Iranian attack on Israel and reiterated its full solidarity with the people of Israel and commitment to Israel’s security and to regional stability. The European Council called on Iran and its proxies to cease all attacks and urged all parties to exercise the utmost restraint and to refrain from any action that may increase tensions in the region. Furthermore, the European Council stated that the EU would take further restrictive measures against Iran, notably in relation to UAVs and missiles. Finally, the European Council reiterated that the EU remained fully committed to contributing to de-escalation and security in the region.