UK: To Deepen Sanctions On  Russia As Iranian Involvement In War Increases

The US and the UK are set to announce a deepening on sanctions on Russia and countries seen as helping Moscow evade sanctions.

• According to the FT, a joint statement expected to be released today taking "collabortation to a new level."
• The statement reads: “We will identify opportunities to pool expertise, [...] to align the way we implement sanctions, and to assist our stakeholders...”
• The increased cooperation comes as the US seeks new avenues to restrict Russian access to military components seen as crucial to pursuing strategic objectives.
• The increased focus on third parties is likely a response to the more active role played by Iran in supplying military hardware.
• The Washington Post reported over the weekend that Iran plans to send Fateh-110 and Zolfaghar short-range ballistic missiles to Iran. This is in addition to Iranian Shahed drones which have been effectively used by Russia to target Ukrainian infrastructure.
• A US official told Politico today: “Are we going to do more about Iranian military sales to Russia? Absolutely, yes [...] we are absolutely going to sanction anybody who’s helping Iranians help Russians kill Ukrainians.”