As a consequence of the war in Ukraine, the EU and the UK are now also imposing sanctions on Iran’s state shipping company.
The measures are reportedly directed against both the shipping company IRISL itself and its CEO Mohammadreza Modarres Khiabani. Together with the three Russian shipping companies MG Flot, VTS Broker and Arapax, they have been placed on the “black” list.
The reason given in Brussels is the company’s “continued military support for Russia’s war against Ukraine and for armed groups in the Middle East and the Red Sea region”.
Focus on Iran’s role in conflicts
According to the findings, Iran supplies missile parts and drones to Russia and provides military and financial support to the Houthi in Yemen. This also applies to Hezbollah in Lebanon and Hamas in the Gaza Strip.
The USA has already imposed similar sanctions against IRISL since 2020. Alphaliner lists the Iranian state shipping company as 18th among the world’s largest carriers, with 30 ships in its fleet.
Other companies were sanctioned for transporting missiles and drones to Russia for use in its war against Ukraine.
The new measures include a ban on the export, transfer, supply or sale of components used in the development and production of missiles and drones from the EU to Iran.
