Iran: Council prolongs EU restrictive measures

The Council extended until 27 July 2025 the restrictive measures in view of Iran’s military support for Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine and for armed groups and entities in the Middle East and the Red Sea region.

Existing restrictive measures will continue to be reviewed annually.

Currently the sanctions regime applies to 12 persons and nine entities.

Those targeted are subject to an asset freeze, and the provision of funds or economic resources, directly or indirectly, to them or for their benefit is prohibited. Additionally, a travel ban to the EU applies to the natural persons listed.

Background

In its conclusions of 21 and 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 and 18 April 2024, the European Council reiterated its commitment to taking further restrictive measures against Iran, notably in relation to unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and missiles. Finally, the European Council reiterated that the EU remained fully committed to contributing to de-escalation and security in the region.

On 14 May 2024, the Council broadened the scope of the EU framework for restrictive measures in view of Iran’s military support for Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, so as to cover both drones and missiles, as well as the Iranian drone and missile programme’s support for armed groups and entities in the Middle East and the Red Sea region.

Furthermore, the Council prohibited the export of further components used in the development and production of UAVs from the EU to Iran.

On 31 May and 24 June, the Council listed six individuals and four entities under this framework.