EU Sanctions Target Iran
On January 29, 2026, the Council of the European Union approved a new sanctions package targeting Iran for human rights violations and its military support of Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine. The measures apply to both individuals and legal entities.
List of Sanctioned Individuals and Entities
The sanctions list includes 15 individuals and 6 entities, among them:
- Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni
- Prosecutor General Mohammad Movahedi-Azad
- The Iranian Audio-Visual Media Regulatory Authority (SATRA)
- The cyber-space organization Seraaj
A key component of the new sanctions is a dedicated bloc concerning military aid to Russia, which imposes restrictions on 4 individuals and 6 organizations, including:
- The ballistic missile developer Khojir Missile Development
- The company Sahara Thunder
Brussels has also expanded export restrictions to Iran, prohibiting the supply of electronics, computers, sensors, and navigation equipment that could be used in the production of drones and missiles. In justifying the decision, the EU Council stated that Iran's military support for Russia's war against Ukraine continues to pose a direct threat to EU security. This move aligns the EU with other Western powers in seeking to constrain Iran's ability to supply weapons for the conflict.
The new sanctions package underscores the European Union's growing concern over Iran's actions, which impact regional and global security. Given Tehran's active military cooperation with Moscow, these measures could significantly affect the military capabilities of both nations. Furthermore, they demonstrate the EU's resolve in confronting human rights abuses and support for aggressive actions on the international stage.