EU Sanctions On Iran 'Unlawful’ Says Iranian FM

Iran's Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian criticized the European Union's recent decision to expand sanctions against Iran, labeling them "unlawful".

The EU's decision followed Iran's extensive drone and missile attack on Israel, which Tehran asserts was a defensive measure in retaliation to a suspected Israeli assault on its consulate in Damascus.

"It is regrettable to see the EU deciding quickly to apply more unlawful restrictions against Iran just because Iran exercised its right to self-defense in the face of Israel’s reckless aggression," said Amir-Abdollahian on X urging the EU to reconsider its sanctions strategy and instead impose penalties on Israel.

The sanctions aim to augment existing restrictions placed on Iran for its role in supplying drones to Russia, used in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.EU foreign policy chief, Josep Borrell, mentioned that the sanctions would extend beyond Russia, addressing weapon deliveries to various regional proxies as well. Despite the actions, the EU has refrained from a formal "terrorist" designation of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), citing a lack of legal foundation, although the European Parliament had previously endorsed such a designation.

The attack involved over 350 drones and missiles targeting Israel, escalating tensions in the region, mostly intercepted by Israel and a US-led coalition of allies. Following the incident, EU foreign ministers convened on Monday and preliminarily agreed to impose broader sanctions, particularly targeting Iran's weapon exports, including drones and missiles to proxies and Russia.

The finalization and implementation of the expanded sanctions will require further legal structuring in Brussels.