UK sanctions Iran Air, key shipping entities for 'aiding Russia' against Ukraine

By Aysu Bicer

LONDON (AA) - The UK on Monday announced new sanctions against Iran in response to "Iranian transfer of ballistic missiles to Russia, and aiding war in Ukraine."

The measures include an asset freeze on Iran Air, the country's state-owned airline, as well as sanctions on the Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines (IRISL) and a Russian cargo ship, PORT OLYA-3, according to an official statement.

The sanctions target Iran Air's direct, and scheduled commercial air services to and from the UK, compounding existing financial restrictions.

The state-owned airline is penalized for its "role in Iran's support of Russia's war efforts."

Similarly, IRISL faces sanctions for its involvement in Iran's defense sector, while PORT OLYA-3 is sanctioned for allegedly transporting weapons to Russia for use on the battlefield in Ukraine.

These measures come as Prime Minister Keir Starmer prepares to mark 1,000 days since Russia-Ukraine war at the G20 summit and as Foreign Secretary David Lammy visits New York to chair the UN Security Council (UNSC).

The statement said that Lammy will reiterate the UK’s commitment to Ukraine and global peace during his address at the UNSC.

Today’s announcement builds on initial UK actions from September, which included canceling bilateral air service agreements with Iran and amending the Iran sanctions regime to strengthen trade restrictions, the statement said.

These amendments targeted items used in the production of ballistic missiles, UAVs, and other weapons, it added.