ALWAGHT- Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman criticized the new EU and UK sanctions on Iran’s shipping lines, calling them a clear example of systematic human rights violations.
Esmaeil Baghaei criticized the EU and UK sanctions on Tuesday, a day after the European Commission imposed restrictions on Iran's shipping lines (IRISL), its director Mohammad Reza Khiabani, and others. Similarly, the UK announced asset freezes on Iran Air and IRISL.
The sanctions are based on allegations that Iran Air and IRISL supply drones, ballistic missiles, and related technologies to Russia for its war in Ukraine—claims Iran has repeatedly denied. Baghaei pointed out that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has admitted no Iranian ballistic missiles have been delivered to Russia, calling the sanctions baseless, illegitimate, and unjustified.
The EU had already sanctioned Iran Air over similar claims more than a month earlier. Baghaei emphasized that these measures, which infringe on Iranians' fundamental rights, represent "clear examples of systematic human rights violations" and hold the EU and UK accountable under international law. He highlighted the principle of freedom of navigation and maritime trade as a cornerstone of international maritime law, accusing European nations of violating these norms.
Experts suggest the sanctions align with US efforts to pressure Iran into concessions amid speculation about a possible revival of the 2015 nuclear deal.
