ALWAGHT- The Iranian Foreign Ministry summoned Hungary’s ambassador in Tehran to express strong protest over new EU sanctions targeting several Iranian individuals and entities.
Giola Peto, Hungary's ambassador, was summoned by Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister for Political Affairs on Tuesday. Hungary currently holds the presidency of the EU Council.
This followed the EU’s approval of sanctions on seven Iranian individuals and seven entities, including Iran Air, citing alleged ballistic missile transfers to Russia for use in the Ukraine war.
The Iranian official condemned the sanctions as "unacceptable" and criticized the use of coercive methods, asserting they would achieve nothing. He emphasized that Iran's defense and military cooperation with other nations is lawful, aimed at protecting national interests and security, and not subject to external interference. He also called the sanctions against Iranian airlines a "clear violation of international law" and inconsistent with European nations' stated values.
The official urged the EU not to fall into the "anti-Iranian" agenda, particularly that of the Zionist regime, and not to jeopardize longstanding ties with Iran. Earlier, Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei also condemned the sanctions as a violation of international law and human rights.
Iran and Russia, both facing Western sanctions, have maintained close relations, including military cooperation. Iran has affirmed its commitment to strengthening its defense capabilities, including missile and drone power, which it insists are purely defensive and non-negotiable.
