Iran sanctioned for sending missiles to Russia

The UK, France and Germany have announced fresh sanctions on Iran for supplying Russia with ballistic missiles for use in Ukraine.

Among the new measures, which have been announced as US Secretary of State Antony Blinken visits London, are restrictions on Iran Air’s ability to fly to the UK and Europe.

Western officials say Iranian missiles have been used to strike civilian targets in Ukraine.

UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy said the Iranian deliveries marked a “dangerous escalation” which had allowed Russia to “fuel its illegal invasion of Ukraine”.

“Iran must stop supporting [Russian President Vladimir] Putin’s unprovoked, premeditated and barbaric attack against a sovereign democratic state,” Mr Lammy added. “The UK will stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes.”

White House National Security Spokesperson John Kirby also hailed the measures, saying the missiles had been used to strike civilian targets in Ukraine after their delivery from Tehran.

He added that Russian personnel had received training from Iranian forces on how to effectively use the missiles.

The UK Foreign Office also announced specific sanctions against several key individuals it said were heavily involved in the missiles supplies, including Iranian Brig Gen Seyed Hamzeh Ghalandari who commands the country’s exports of defence products to its partners.

Five Russian cargo ships have also been sanctioned, for transporting the military supplies from Iran, despite what the UK said were repeated warnings not to do so.