TEHRAN – The European Union has significantly escalated its sanctions against Iran, adding Iranian shipping lines to its existing restrictions. 

This expansion, announced Monday by the European Commission, is a direct response to refuted allegations that Iran has been supplying Russia with weaponry for its ongoing war in Ukraine.

Specifically targeted are the Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines (IRISL), its director Mohammad Reza Khiabani, and several other individuals and entities. The sanctions prohibit any transactions involving vessels, ports, or other infrastructure owned, operated, or controlled by these sanctioned parties.

The EU's justification rests on claims that these sanctioned individuals and entities have facilitated the transportation of Iranian-made unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), missiles, and related technology and components to Russia for use in the conflict. This action follows similar sanctions levied against Iran Air over a month ago, based on the same accusations.

Iran has consistently denied supplying weapons to Russia for use in the war in Ukraine, asking Europe to provide evidence for its claims. Europe has yet to put forth proof for its allegations. 

Iran's Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, reacted to Europe’s latest anti-Iran move on X, stating that there is no legal, logical, or moral justification for the actions taken by the European Union. 

“President Zelensky himself has confirmed that no Iranian ballistic missiles have been delivered to Russia,” he said, adding, “Yet, the EU refuses to reverse its indiscriminate targeting of air travelers by going after Iranian airlines-a measure ostensibly motivated by our non-existent missile deliveries to Russia.”

Araghchi emphasized that Europe’s immoral and unjustified moves will only “compel what it ostensibly seeks to prevent.”

Previously, on November 4, during a joint press conference with Nordic leaders, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that while Ukraine's intelligence service has indicated serious “discussions” between Iran and Russia regarding missile transfers, there is no evidence that Iran has supplied any ballistic missiles to Russia.