The EU has brought sanctions against Iranians involved in the manufacture of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) used by Russia in Ukraine.

The European Council – the EU’s governing body - has implemented the new set of stringent measures against six individuals and five outfits engaged in Iran's development and production of the drone.

This represents the first application of measures within a newly established framework aimed at restricting Iran's military support for Russia's unjust war of aggression against Ukraine. The measures align with earlier sanctions against Iranian drone-related activities.

The new measures target Iranian company Shakad Sanat Asmari, its CEO, deputy CEO, and chief scientist. Also engaged in the production of UAV components are Baharestan Kish Company and its managing director, Saad Sazeh Faraz Sharif and its CEO, while Sarmad Electronic Sepahan Company provides aerospace engineering services. Kimia Part Sivan Company assists Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Quds Force (IRGC-QF) in advancing the UAV program. All have now been subjected to the measures.

The sanctions encompass asset freezes and travel bans within the European Union. Any supply of funds or economic resources, whether directly or indirectly benefiting those listed, is strictly forbidden.

The Council has strongly criticized and declared as unacceptable any type of military assistance from Iran, encompassing the transfer of UAVs to Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine. The arms provided by Iran have been employed indiscriminately by Russia, leading to extensive destruction and human suffering among Ukraine's civilian population and infrastructure.