On February 25, the European Union sanctioned seven Iranian weapons manufacturers and four men in Iran for supplying drones to Russia, which were used to attack government and civilian targets in Ukraine. The list included the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Aerospace Force and six defense firms linked to the Iranian government as well as top executives in Iran’s drone industry. Between August 2022 and February 2023, Iran exported hundreds of unmanned aerial vehicles, including Shahed suicide drones and Mohajer strike and reconnaissance drones. IRGC teams also provided training to their Russian counterparts on the drones.
Iranian Shahed-136 suicide drones, which explode on impact
The action by European Union, a bloc of 27 nations with some of the largest economies, was part of a broader measure on the first anniversary of Russia’s invasion. In all, it sanctioned 34 companies and 87 people—mainly Russian but including men from Ukraine, Armenia and Israel as well as the Iranians—for “undermining or threatening the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine.” In a statement, the EU said that it “stands united in its solidarity with Ukraine, and will continue to support Ukraine and its people together with its international partners, including through additional political, financial, military and humanitarian support for as long as necessary.”
The sanctions reflected growing Western outrage over Tehran’s support for Moscow’s war. “Today we are targeting 121 individuals and entities who are instrumental in the continuation of this brutal war,” said Josep Borrell, E.U. high representative for foreign affairs and security policy.
The E.U. action were the first to cite Iranian organizations connected to Russia’s war. It froze all their assets in the European Union and banned all travel to the 27 countries. They also prohibited E.U. citizens from providing funds or resources to those on the list.
The bloc imposed stricter export controls on the transfer of technology and industrial goods to Russia. It suspended broadcasting licenses for two Russia-linked media organizations. And it restricted Russian nationals from positions in governing bodies of critical infrastructures. The Iranians sanctioned are:
Hossein Shamsabadi, managing director and CEO of Paravar Pars Company
Abualfazl Nazeri, vice chairman of the board of Paravar Pars Company
Abulghasem Valagohar, member of the board of Paravar Pars Company
Ghassem Damavandian, CEO and managing director of Qods Aviation Industry
The European Union sanctioned the following Iranian organizations, which had earlier been designated by the United States for playing a role in the transfer of Iranian drones to Russia:
IRGC Aerospace Force: It helped facilitate Iran’s supply of drones to Russia, according to U.S. sanctions imposed in November 2022.
Design and Manufacturing of Aircraft Engines: The firm was involved in the IRGC’s Shahed-171 drone program, according to U.S. sanctions imposed in September 2022.
IRGC Research and Self-Sufficiency Jihad Organization: The IRGC unit is responsible for the research and development of ballistic missiles, according to U.S. sanctions imposed in 2017.
Oje Parvaz Mado Nafar Company (Mado): The firm provided drone engines to the IRGC, according to U.S. sanctions imposed in 2021.
Paravar Pars Company: The drone manufacturer was linked to the IRGC, according to U.S. sanctions imposed in September 2022.
Qods Aviation Industries: The Iranian state-owned company produced the Mohajer-6 attack and reconnaissance drone used by Russia against Ukraine, according to U.S. sanctions imposed in November 2022.
Shahed Aviation Industries: The Iranian company produced the Shahed-136 suicide drone used by Russia against Ukraine, according to U.S. sanctions imposed in November 2022.
Second publication by courtesy of The Iran Imprimer, Original-Text