EU Expands Sanctions on Iran Over Alleged Support for Russia

The European Commission announced that it has expanded its sanctions against Iran due to its support for Russia in the war with Ukraine. The Commission stated that it has added the Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines (IRISL) and its director, Mohammad Reza Khiabani, to the sanctions list, among others. The new sanctions target ships and ports used for transporting Iranian-made drones, missiles, and related technology and components. The sanctions also include a ban on all transactions involving ports and assets owned, operated, or controlled by the sanctioned individuals and entities. Additionally, the EU is imposing sanctions on three Russian maritime companies (MG Flot, VTS Broker, and Arapax) for allegedly carrying Iranian weapons, including drone parts, to supply Russian troops in Ukraine via the Caspian Sea.