On 18 November, the European Union (EU) intensified its measures to counter Iran's growing involvement in weapons proliferation, particularly in the context of the ongoing war in Ukraine. Responding to Iran's military support for Russia, including the provision of drones and missiles, the EU expanded sanctions aimed at disrupting this trade network and mitigating security threats.
The new sanctions prohibit the export, transfer and sale of components critical to missile and drone production from the EU to Iran. Furthermore, the EU has imposed a ban on transactions with ports and shipping companies involved in these activities, notably targeting the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy and Iranian shipping entities like the Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines (IRISL). These measures include restricting access to strategic ports such as Amirabad and Anzali, except in cases of maritime safety, humanitarian needs or emergencies.
Additional restrictive actions were adopted against individuals and entities linked to the transfer of Iranian-made weaponry. Among them, IRISL and its director, Mohammad Reza Khiabani, were sanctioned for their involvement in transporting drones for the IRGC Navy. The EU also listed three Russian shipping companies – MG Flot, VTS Broker and Arapax – for facilitating the movement of Iranian drones and weapons across the Caspian Sea to supply Russian forces in Ukraine.
These sanctions underscore the EU’s commitment to curbing the proliferation of dual-use technologies and sensitive military materials. By targeting Iran’s defence exports, the EU seeks to limit Russia’s capacity to sustain its aggression in Ukraine while bolstering European and regional security. The measures are part of broader efforts to prevent the destabilization of the Middle East and uphold international norms against weapons trafficking and unlawful military cooperation.