EU foreign ministers are set to address the escalating conflict in the Middle East and the bloc’s efforts to support Ukraine against the Russian invasion, despite Hungary’s opposition.
The European Union (EU) plans to impose new sanctions targeting Russian entities and organizations accused of destabilizing democracy and security in Moldova ahead of a crucial referendum later this month on its membership in the bloc.
Additionally, the EU aims to sanction Iran for providing ballistic missiles to Russia for use in Ukraine.
The sanctions to be approved today will target companies and individuals linked to Iran’s ballistic missile program and the supply of these weapons to Russia.
Among the companies targeted by the sanctions is Iran’s national airline, Iran Air. Germany and France have already announced that they are working on imposing sanctions targeting the company.
Iran has condemned the proposed EU sanctions. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated on the social media platform X on Sunday: “Let me be clear and reiterate: we do not send ballistic missiles to Russia.” He added, “If Europe needs a story to succumb to Israeli blackmail, it had better look for another story.”
Discussions among the foreign ministers in Luxembourg will also focus on Iran’s role and its regional proxies such as Hezbollah in Lebanon and Hamas in Gaza.
The European Union faces challenges in finding a response that could help prevent an escalation into a full-scale regional war in the Middle East.
