Spokesman Decries Fresh EU Sanctions on Iran

In a statement on Monday night, Esmaeil Baqaei strongly censured the new sanctions imposed by the European Union and Britain against several Iranian individuals and entities, describing them as unjustified and contrary to international law, particularly human rights.

He also rejected the allegations that Iran is selling ballistic missiles to Russia, asserting that Tehran's stance on the Ukraine conflict has been clear and consistent.

“From the outset of the conflict, Iran has opposed the war and emphasized respect for territorial integrity and national sovereignty of all countries, advocating for a diplomatic solution to the Russia-Ukraine dispute,” the spokesman said.

Baqaei criticized certain EU countries and the UK for making baseless claims of Iran's military involvement in the conflict without providing any evidence.

The accusation made by the EU and the UK is hypocritical and an attempt to divert public attention from the most important issue of the day, namely the genocide of Palestinians and the Zionist regime’s warmongering acts in West Asia, he added, the Foreign Ministry’s website reported.

He highlighted the role of certain European countries, including the UK and Germany, in supplying deadly weapons used by the Zionist regime in Gaza and Lebanon, labeling them as accomplices in the crimes against the people in Palestine and Lebanon.

Baqaei reminded those countries of their legal obligations under the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide and stated that the actions by the countries that supply weapons to the Israeli regime violate international law, making them internationally accountable.

The spokesperson also emphasized Iran's inalienable right to engage in defensive and military cooperation with other countries, including Russia, to meet its defense needs and protect its national interests and sovereignty.

He stated that Iran's military cooperation with other countries is not directed against any third party, and that no third party has the right to interfere in Iran's legitimate and legal decisions to cooperate with other countries.

Baqaei described the EU's actions as contradictory and inconsistent with their human rights and engagement claims. He slammed the sanctions on Iranian passenger airlines as a clear violation of international law, particularly human rights and fundamental freedoms.

The spokesperson finally reaffirmed Iran’s right to take appropriate measures in response to the EU's illegal and unjustified sanctions and advised the bloc to adhere to international law and ethical standards, urging its member states to cease arms sales to the aggressor Israeli regime and thus prevent further genocide in Gaza and Lebanon, as well as escalating insecurity and tension in West Asia.