TEHRAN, Jun 1 (NNN-IRNA) – Iran’s Foreign Ministry Spokesman, Nasser Kanaani, yesterday, condemned new sanctions imposed by the European Union (EU) on a number of Iranian officials and entities.
He made the remarks in a statement by his ministry, after the EU yesterday, imposed sanctions on six individuals and three entities of Iran for their alleged “role in the transfer of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) to Russia, in support of its war against Ukraine, or the transfer of UAVs or missiles to armed groups and entities, undermining peace and security in the Middle East and the Red Sea region,” or “for being involved in Iran’s UAV programme.”
Kanaani said the EU, instead of focusing on the Israeli “war crimes” in Gaza and punishing Israel for them, had included in its list of sanctions some Iranian officials and entities that had been “pioneers and effective in the fight against terrorism and ensuring sustainable security in the West Asia region.”
He regretted that the EU had once again resorted to the “outdated and ineffective” tool of sanctions against Iran, while turning a blind eye to the field realities in West Asia.
Kanaani emphasised that, Iran would continue its principled policies, especially in ensuring regional and international peace and security, and reserve the right to respond to such a “destructive” approach by the EU.
In a press release on its website, the Council of the EU announced yesterday, new sanctions on Iranian armed forces’ Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, and one of its commanders, Kavan Electronics Behrad LLC, an Iran-based company, which the bloc accused of being involved in procuring and selling components for the manufacturing of UAVs, its CEO and chairman of the board of directors, and the Navy of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
The bloc has also imposed sanctions on Iran’s Defence Minister, Mohammad-Reza Ashtiani, an IRGC commander, and Afshin Khaji Fard, head of Iran’s Aviation Industries Organisation.– NNN-IRNA
