Tue Sep 10 17:02:22 UTC 2024: ## UK Cuts Air Links with Iran in Latest Sanctions Over Russia Arms Supply
**LONDON:** The United Kingdom has taken a significant step in escalating sanctions against Iran, announcing the termination of all direct air services between the two countries. The move follows accusations that Iran has supplied Russia with short-range missiles to use in the war against Ukraine, a move deemed a dangerous escalation of the conflict by Western powers.
The UK’s decision, implemented alongside international partners, effectively restricts Iran Air’s ability to operate flights to the UK. The airline currently runs three direct flights per week between London and Tehran.
The sanctions come in response to repeated warnings issued by the UK to Iran to cease supplying weapons to Russia. The UK Foreign Ministry stated that the sanctions are aimed at putting pressure on Tehran to end its support for the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
“We will continue to use every lever at our disposal to put pressure on Iran to end its support for (Russian President Vladimir) Putin’s illegal invasion,” said UK Transport Secretary Louise Haigh. “(This) is why we have begun the termination of all direct air services between the UK and Iran.”
Simultaneously, the UK joined the United States in imposing sanctions on individuals and organisations involved in facilitating Iran’s military support to Russia. The targeted entities include those connected to ballistic missile and drone supply chains. Additionally, several Russian organisations and five cargo ships involved in transporting military supplies from Iran to Russia have been sanctioned.
The latest sanctions represent a significant escalation in the international response to Iran’s alleged actions in supplying weapons to Russia. It remains to be seen what impact these measures will have on the conflict in Ukraine and Iran’s future involvement.
First Piper 