Western powers sanction Iran over missiles to Russia

LONDON: Western powers on Tuesday announced fresh sanctions on Iran for supplying Russia with short-range missiles for imminent use against Ukraine, calling it a dangerous escalation of the conflict that threatened European security.

Britain, France and Germany said they would cut aviation agreements with the Islamic republic and look set to sanction its national carrier Iran Air, claiming Tehran had repeatedly defied warnings about the weapons transfers.

London said the move would “restrict Iran Air´s ability to fly in to the UK”.

“This is a further escalation of Iran´s military support to Russia´s war of aggression against Ukraine and will see Iranian missiles reaching European soil, increasing the suffering of the Ukrainian people,” the so-called E3 powers said. “This act is an escalation by both Iran and Russia, and is a direct threat to European security,” a joint statement read.

In London, visiting Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the United States would also impose sanctions on Iran and that Russia could use the Iranian missiles against Ukraine “within weeks”.

Dozens of Russian military personnel have trained in Iran using the Fath-360 missile, which has a range of 120-kms, he added.

“Iran´s new president and foreign minister have repeatedly said that they want to restore engagement with Europe,” he said.

“They want to receive sanctions relief. Destabilising actions like these will achieve exactly the opposite.”