The European Union has decided to implement stricter sanctions on Iran in response to recent attacks on Israel. These sanctions are aimed at limiting the export of EU-manufactured components used in the production of drones and ballistic missiles. Iran has been using drones, particularly the “kamikaze” Shahed drones, in its support of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, targeting critical infrastructure and residential buildings. The EU had previously established sanctions against Iranian-made drones, but the recent attacks on Israel prompted the bloc to expand the sanctions to cover missile production as well.
The political agreement reached by foreign affairs ministers in Luxembourg will see an increase in sanctions on Iranian entities involved in the production of drones and missiles. The move comes in response to Iran’s attack on Israel in April, during which more than 300 projectiles were launched from various fronts towards the Jewish nation. The expanded sanctions will aim to prevent the potential transfer of missile technology to Russia, which could have far-reaching consequences in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The EU is working to formalize and approve the expanded sanctions, which are expected to come into force in the coming days.
Iran is believed to possess the largest and most diverse missile arsenal in the Middle East, with over 3,000 rockets in its stockpile. Last week, Israel reportedly carried out a strike near the city of Isfahan, where missile production and research facilities are located. While Iran primarily manufactures its missiles domestically, it relies on foreign-made components that can be utilized in its missile program. The country has developed a network of operators to obtain dual-use items that can be used for military and civilian purposes, allowing it to evade international sanctions and continue its missile development efforts.
In addition to its missile program, Iran has provided lethal equipment to various proxy groups in the region, including the Houthis in Yemen, Hezbollah in Lebanon, and Hamas in the Gaza Strip. These proxies have been involved in conflicts with Israel, and the recent barrage of attacks on Israel involved weapons launched from multiple countries, putting the region on high alert for further escalation. The EU’s sanctions are designed to address this broader regional threat, expanding restrictions to cover the Middle East and the Red Sea. While the ministers did not move to list the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization, the option remains on the table pending a judicial decision by a competent authority in a member state.
The EU’s decision to expand sanctions on Iran reflects growing concern over Tehran’s activities in the region, particularly its support for proxy groups and involvement in conflicts that threaten stability and security. The move is intended to curtail Iran’s missile development efforts and prevent the proliferation of advanced technology that could escalate regional tensions. By targeting entities involved in Iran’s drone and missile programs, the EU aims to send a strong message to Tehran about the consequences of its actions and to deter further aggression against Israel and other regional actors. The formal approval and implementation of the expanded sanctions in the coming days will mark a significant step in the EU’s efforts to address Iran’s destabilizing behavior in the Middle East.
