EU vows sanctions after alleged Iranian supply of missiles to Russia

The European Union condemned the alleged Iranian supply of ballistic missiles to Russia for use in Ukraine and vowed new sanctions in a joint statement on Friday.

The 27 EU member states said the delivery was a "direct threat to European security" and was a substantial escalation from past Iranian transfers of ammunition and drones to Russia.

Top EU diplomat Josep Borrell said on X that the bloc will respond quickly with new sanctions on Iran's ballistic missile and drone programmes.

The Iranian regime has vehemently denied the accusation made by Ukraine's Western allies, including the United States. Tehran has also previously denied supplying Russia with combat drones.

The EU "has repeatedly strongly cautioned Iran against transfers of ballistic missiles to Russia," the joint statement said.

Iran is increasingly politically isolated due to its controversial nuclear programme, human rights violations and Middle East policy.

In recent years, the leadership has responded by strengthening its ties with Russia and China.

Earlier in the week in a separate statement, Germany, France and the UK pledged fresh sanctions on Iran over its alleged transfer of ballistic missiles to Russia.

Ships and companies allegedly involved in supplying Russia with Iranian weapons were sanctioned. Among them was Iran Air, which flies to several destinations in Europe.

United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken also announced new US sanctions on Iran in response, after warning Iran before that supplying such weapons would "constitute a dramatic escalation."