EU council extends sanctions on Iran over support for Russia, proxy wars

European Union flags fly outside the European Commission headquarters in Brussels, Belgium, March 1, 2023.
European Union flags fly outside the European Commission headquarters in Brussels, Belgium, March 1, 2023.

The European Council has extended its sanctions against Iran for another year, citing Tehran's military action both regionally and globally.

“The Council today extended until 27 July 2025 the restrictive measures [sanctions] 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,” the council announced in a statemenMonday statement.

Tehran has been supplying Russia with weapons, including the Shahed drones, which have been used in its war on Ukraine.

In March, the European Council called on third parties, including Iran, to immediately cease providing material support to Russia, though Iran denies the support.

In April, the Council reaffirmed its commitment to further sanctions against Iran, particularly concerning unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and missiles.

On May 14, the Council expanded the scope of EU sanctions to include both drones and missiles, as well as Iran's support for armed groups in the Middle East and the Red Sea region. Since November, Iran's Houthi terror group began a blockade of the Red Sea region, impacting global shipping.

Currently the sanctions regime applies to 12 people and nine entities, subjecting them to asset freezes and prohibiting the provision of funds or economic resources. Additionally, a travel ban to the EU applies to the listed individuals.

Following Hamas' attack on Israel on October 7 and the subsequent Israeli offensive in Gaza, Iran has intensified its efforts against American and Israeli interests, deploying armed groups throughout the Middle East that it supports, arms, and trains.