The European Union on Monday imposed new sanctions on three major Iranian airlines accused of involvement in supplying weapons to Russia.
This comes against the backdrop of Iran's ongoing support for Russia in its war of aggression against Ukraine. The airlines affected, including Iran Air, Saha Airlines and Mahan Air, are not only facing a flight ban in European airspace, but also severe financial sanctions.
Serious allegations against Iranian airlines
According to the EU, these airlines have repeatedly supplied Iranian-made unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and related technology to Russia, which were used in the Ukraine war. The sanctions include both a travel ban on the companies and a freeze on their assets within the European Union. This is part of a comprehensive EU response to the military support Iran has been providing to Russia since the start of the war.
The EU had already issued a statement in September 2023 condemning the supply of Iranian ballistic missiles to Russia, calling it a "direct threat to European security." The latest sanctions are a continuation of this policy, which aims to prevent military cooperation between Iran and Russia. "These designations are targeted and aim to prevent specific Iranian policies and activities," the EU's official statement said.
Iranian aviation in the EU's sights
Among the sanctioned airlines, Iran Air stands out as it is the only one of the three airlines that currently still offers flights to Europe. Iran Air's European destinations include London, Paris, Frankfurt and Vienna. The airline operates a total fleet of 37 aircraft, but the majority of these are reported as inactive due to the long-standing international sanctions against Iran and the difficulties in maintaining and renewing its fleet. The fleet's Airbus aircraft are particularly affected, as previous orders were cancelled due to the existing sanctions.
Saha Airlines and Mahan Air, which are also affected by the sanctions, do not operate flights to Europe. Saha Airlines focuses on domestic flights, while Mahan Air serves both international and domestic destinations. Mahan Air, Iran's largest private airline, operates a larger fleet that includes aircraft such as the Airbus A340 and A320, but is severely limited by Iran's international isolation.
Consequences of the sanctions for Iran
The imposition of these sanctions comes at a delicate time for Iran. The Islamic Republic is in a difficult situation both economically and politically. Cooperation with Russia, especially in the military field, has brought Iran international criticism and led to a further tightening of the existing sanctions. The United States had previously taken similar measures by sanctioning companies and individuals involved in the arms trade between Iran and Russia.
The European response aims to increase pressure on Tehran and prevent further material support for the Russian war in Ukraine. In addition to the companies themselves, several high-ranking Iranian government officials are also affected by the sanctions. Among them is Seyed Hamzeh Ghalandari, Iran's deputy defense minister, who is accused of having played a key role in organizing the arms deliveries.
Political and economic implications
These sanctions are further evidence of Iran's increasing isolation on the international stage. Cooperation with Russia has immediate economic benefits for Iran, but also carries the risk of further international isolation. For the EU, Iran's support of Russia represents a direct threat to Europe's security, as the UAVs and ballistic missiles supplied are being used specifically against Ukrainian civilian and infrastructure facilities.
The new sanctions could also have a negative impact on Iran's already struggling civil aviation sector. Iran Air, which still operates in some European cities, could suffer additional economic losses as a result of the flight ban. In addition, the freezing of assets and exclusion from European airspace will make the country's economic recovery more difficult.
Outlook: Further escalation or dialogue?
It remains to be seen whether these measures will actually lead to a change in Iran's behavior. So far, Tehran has been unimpressed by international sanctions, especially when they are in the context of cooperation with Russia. Iran consistently pursues its interests in the region and uses its military technology as an instrument of geopolitical power.
The situation remains tense for Europe. Iran's continued military support of Russia poses a significant risk to the continent's security and could lead to further sanctions. At the same time, pressure is growing on the international community to resume dialogue with Tehran in order to prevent a further escalation of the situation.
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