Tue Sep 10 23:19:03 UTC 2024: ## US, UK, France, and Germany Impose Sanctions on Iran for Supplying Missiles to Russia
The US, UK, France, and Germany have imposed new sanctions on Iran for supplying ballistic missiles to Russia for use in Ukraine. These measures include restrictions on Iran Air flights to the UK and Europe, travel bans, and asset freezes on individuals accused of facilitating military support for Russia.
The sanctions come after the US revealed intelligence indicating that Iran trained Russian personnel on the Fath-360 ballistic missile system, which has a range of 75 miles. These missiles are expected to significantly boost Russia’s arsenal, enabling them to strike Ukrainian cities closer to the Russian border and areas it already controls.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated that Russian President Vladimir Putin is increasingly reliant on Iran and North Korea for support in the war, a violation of multiple UN Security Council resolutions. The UK, France, and Germany have also expressed concerns about the threat posed by Iran’s actions to European security.
In response to the sanctions, Iran has denied supplying missiles to Russia, calling the Western statements false and misleading.
The sanctions target individuals and organizations involved in the production and transportation of ballistic missiles and drones, including Brig Gen Seyed Hamzeh Ghalandari, director general for international relations at Iran’s defense ministry, and five Russian cargo ships.
Meanwhile, Russia continues to make gains in eastern Ukraine, with its forces approaching the strategically important settlement of Pokrovsk. The UK government has pledged continued support for Ukraine, while Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has criticized the pace of weapons deliveries and requested authorization to strike targets deep inside Russia.
Blinken and UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy also announced a joint trip to Ukraine this week, signifying the close partnership between the two countries.
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