EU Agrees on New Iran Sanctions Over Ukraine Drones

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Facts

  • On Thursday, European Union countries imposed sanctions on Iran over Iranian-made drones allegedly supplied to Russia and used in attacks against Ukraine.
  • The presidency of the EU — which rotates between member states and is currently held by the Czech Republic — confirmed the sanctions in a tweet. Consequently, the EU has decided to freeze the assets of three Iranian officials and Shahed Aviation Industries for drone deliveries.
  • In a statement, EU headquarters said the move was a "signal of the EU's resolve to respond swiftly and decisively to Iran’s actions supporting Russian aggression against Ukraine."
  • Iran, meanwhile, said the allegations were "baseless." The country's foreign minister, Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, said: "We have defense cooperation with Russia, but without a doubt, sending weapons and drones against Ukraine is not our policy." Russia has also denied receiving drones from Iran, alleging the drones used in Ukraine are homemade.
  • This comes as Biden admin. officials also alleged the US has evidence that Iran sent trainers and technical support to Crimea to enable Russian forces to use the drones with "better lethality." State Dept. spokesperson Ned Price also claimed the US had "credible information that Russian officials prior to the presence of Iranian trainers in Crimea have received training in Iran."

Sources: Al Jazeera, Associated Press, and NBC.

Narratives

  • Pro-establishment narrative, as provided by Al Jazeera. There is ample evidence that Iran is supplying Russia with drones despite both countries' denials. These sanctions are a demonstration that Iran's support for Russia's illegitimate invasion of Ukraine — and violation of international norms — will be met with firm consequences.
  • Establishment-critical narrative, as provided by Press TV. While Iran has defensive agreements with Russia, claims that it's actively taking part in the conflict by providing drones are baseless. Besides, they're deeply hypocritical given that the US and its European allies have been fanning the flames of the conflict by supplying Ukraine with millions of dollars of advanced weaponry.

Predictions