Brussels: Europe and the Arabs
The European Union announced the imposition of restrictive measures against six individuals and three entities for their role in transporting drones to Russia to support its war on Ukraine. Transferring drones or missiles to armed groups and entities that undermine peace and security in the Middle East and Red Sea region; Or for their involvement in Iran's drone program.
A European statement in Brussels stated that the sanctions include the Khatam al-Anbia Central Headquarters, a central entity in the chain of command of the Iranian Armed Forces that makes operational military decisions regarding the deployment of drones, and one of its commanders.
The sanctions included Kavan Electronics Behrad LLC – an Iran-based company that buys and sells components needed to manufacture drones – and its CEO and chairman.
The sanctions also included the Iranian Revolutionary Guard's naval forces, which are involved in the delivery of Iranian weapons, including Iranian drones and missiles that will be used by armed groups such as the Houthis and Hezbollah in the Middle East and Red Sea region.
Moreover, the Council decided to include Iranian Defense Minister Mohammad Reza Qaraei Ashtiani, a commander in the Quds Force of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard on the sanctions list, as well as the head of the European Union-listed Iranian Aviation Industries Organization, Afshin Khajifard. According to what was reported by the Middle East News Agency
Those targeted will be subject to a freeze on their assets and a travel ban to the European Union. In addition, it is prohibited to provide funds or economic resources, directly or indirectly, to or for the benefit of natural or legal persons, entities or bodies included in the list.