The European Union has announced new sanctions aimed at holding Iran accountable for ongoing human rights abuses and for its stance in global affairs. EU foreign ministers moved to expand the list of targets, adding 24 individuals and five organizations in response to the harsh suppression of protests and the deteriorating rights situation following the death of Mahsa Amini while in police custody. The measures also address Tehran’s cooperation with Russia, including the supply of drones used in the war against Ukraine. Collectively, the 27 member states seek to tighten pressure on Tehran through asset freezes, travel bans, and restrictions on providing financial resources to those named on the sanctions list.
Officials emphasized that the sanctions reflect a broad concern for human rights and the treatment of peaceful protesters, particularly Iranian women, who have faced state-led violence and punitive measures for their expressions of dissent. European Union diplomacy chief Josep Borrell voiced strong condemnation of the death sentences and affirmed Europe’s commitment to supporting those who advocate for human rights and freedoms. A recent high-level exchange with Iran’s foreign minister underscored the bloc’s readiness to defend fundamental rights while engaging diplomatically on contentious issues.
Among those designated are parts of the Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corps, whose actions have been linked to repression, executions, and violence against protesters. A prominent line of commentary from EU ministers highlighted the broader network of actors tied to abuses, including entities involved in intimidation through online or other coercive means. The sanctioned group now brings the totals to 146 individuals and 15 organizations under restrictive measures, reflecting a deepening stance by the EU on rights violations and state violence.
Supply of drones to Moscow
The package also targets individuals and entities connected to the development and delivery of unmanned aerial vehicles used by Russia in its war against Ukraine. The EU is applying measures to eleven individuals and nine entities linked to the drone program, emphasizing the impact on Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Sanctioned figures include leaders within Iran’s air power structure, manufacturers of drone components, and other actors tied to the Revolutionary Guards. The bloc has signaled its intent to extend its restrictive framework to additional organizations related to drone production and supply chains as investigations continue. The consequences spoofed by the sanctions include asset freezes, travel bans, and prohibitions on providing funds or resources to those listed, with the aim of curbing Iran’s role in enabling Russia’s military activities.
Analysts note that the sanctions reflect a coordinated effort to address both human rights concerns and strategic support networks that enable conflict in Ukraine. The approach draws on a pattern seen in previous EU measures, combining targeted financial restrictions with export controls and diplomatic pressure. While some member states advocated a quicker passage of the latest package, the bloc remains focused on a thorough review of remaining gaps and potential third-country implications before final approval at the European Council meeting later in the week. The scope under consideration includes new trade restrictions and the possibility of extending the list to additional individuals, entities, and drone-related supply chains that could be redirected through intermediary states. The measures explicitly cover asset freezes, travel prohibitions, and prohibitions on funding or resource transfers to those on the list, with the hope of limiting harmful activity while preserving room for targeted diplomacy in parallel with other policy tools.
Observers point out that the delay in finalizing the ninth sanctions package reflects the complexity of aligning all member states on sensitive actions and the need to safeguard legitimate commerce while enforcing penalties. Ongoing discussions aim to resolve outstanding questions about who qualifies under the new restrictions and how to implement oversight to prevent circumvention. The EU remains committed to upholding international law and supporting those who seek to protect civil liberties, while applying strategic pressure on actors deemed responsible for aggressive actions or destabilizing behavior in the region. In parallel, there is ongoing interest in ensuring that sanctions do not unduly disrupt humanitarian aid or civilian needs, a balance the bloc has repeatedly stressed as it refines its tools to respond to evolving challenges in Europe and beyond. [EU Council Statement, 2024]”}