West Imposes Sanctions Over Russian Missile Supply

The US as well as France, Germany, and the UK have imposed a new round of sanctions on Iran having accused Tehran of sending ballistic missiles to Russia for use in its invasion of Ukraine. As we noted earlier (see 'SECURITY: WH NSC Spox Kirby: Iran-Russia Partnership Threatens European Security', 1557BST) Iran is accused of sending 'hundreds' of missiles to Russia. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated earlier today, “Russia has now received shipments of these ballistic missiles and will likely use them within weeks in Ukraine, against Ukrainians [...] The supply of Iranian missiles enables Russia to use more of its arsenal for targets that are further from the front line.”

• Ukrainian foreign ministry says that it will 'consider its options', which could include the cutting of ties with Iran, should Russia use Iranian missiles against Ukrainians.
• The E3 group (France, Germany, UK) called "the missile transfers “a direct threat to European security,” and said they would impose penalties on Iran, including the cancelation of bilateral air services agreements with Iran and sanctions on individuals and entities involved in Iran’s ballistic missile program. "We will also work towards imposing sanctions on Iran Air”.
• The increased sanctions come despite some speculation that the new 'reformist' administration of President Masoud Pezeshkian could be more inclined to seek dialogue with the west over the loosening of sanctions, compared to previous hardline regimes. The increase in missile supplies to Russia would seem to counter this narrative.