Iran Brands New Australian Sanctions Illegal

Iran has branded new sanctions by Australia “illegal” with key figures within Iran’s military and Revolutionary Guard (IRGC) now under the new measures.

The sanctions also target the IRGC Navy and individuals such as Iran's Defense Minister Mohammad Reza Ashtiani and Brigadier General Esmail Qaani, commander of the IRGC's Quds Force.

Iran's Ministry of Foreign Affairs accused Australia and its partners of maintaining a “double standard” claiming they are aligned with Washington's policies.

Australia's sanctions, which also affect several Iranian businesspeople and entities involved in missile and unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) programs, have been justified on the grounds of curbing Iran's "destabilizing behavior" and extensive proxy activities in the region. The Australian government asserts that these programs have long fueled regional instability.

In total, Australia has now sanctioned 90 individuals and 100 entities related to Iran, stating its commitment to apply pressure to compel Iran to cease its disruptive actions and adhere to international norms.

However, despite the sanctions, Australia has not designated the IRGC as a terrorist organization—a stance that aligns it with the UK, Canada, and France, rather than with the United States, which designated the IRGC as a foreign terrorist group in 2019.