Western Powers Impose Sanctions on Iran Over Missiles Supplied to Russia

On Tuesday, Western powers including Britain, France, and Germany announced new sanctions against Iran, accusing the nation of supplying Russia with short-range missiles intended for use against Ukraine. The sanctions include cutting aviation agreements and targeting Iran Air, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict.

According to the E3 powers, this move represents a dangerous escalation that threatens European security. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken highlighted that the missiles could be deployed against Ukraine within weeks and mentioned that Russian military personnel have been training in Iran with the Fath-360 missile.

In response, Iran has dismissed the allegations as false, labeling them as a distraction from the U.S.’s support for Israel in its ongoing conflict with Hamas. Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Nasser Kanani described the accusations as a propaganda ploy intended to obscure the U.S. and Western support for what he termed as “genocide” in Gaza.

The situation further complicates international relations as U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy are set to visit Kyiv in a show of solidarity with Ukraine. This visit underscores the continued support from Western nations for Ukraine as it faces increased aggression from Russia.