On September 10, 2024, the UK government announced that, in coordination with the United States, it sanctioned additional Iran-based and Russia-based individuals and organizations in response to Iran’s recent transfer of ballistic missiles to Russia for use in Putin’s illegal war against Ukraine. According to Foreign Secretary David Lammy, the UK and other international partners made it clear to Iran that any transfer of ballistic missiles to Russia would “face a significant response.” He also indicated that the UK “will stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes.” The designations targeted individuals and organizations that have played a critical role in facilitating Iran’s military support to Russia, particularly those involving ballistic missile and drone supply chains.
The Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation designated three Iranian officials and four Iran-based entities under the Iran (Sanctions) Regulations 2023 (SI 2023/1314). The designations included Brigadier General Syed Hamzeh Ghalandari, the Director General for Iran’s International Relations of the Ministry of Defense and Armed Forces Logistics (“MODAFL”) for his alleged role in the export of defense products from Iran, and Second Brigadier General Ali Jafarabadi, who heads the Space Command of the IRGC Aerospace Force (“IRGC-ASF”) for his alleged role in the development of long-range ballistic missiles for Iran. The Iran Regulations subject designees to asset freezes and travel bans in the United Kingdom. OFSI also designated three Russian organizations for their intent to use these weapons systems to bring destruction to Ukraine, including the 924th State Centre for Unmanned Aviation and the Russian Aerospace Forces (“VKS”). OFSI also sanctioned five Russian cargo ships that were allegedly used to transport military supplies from Iran to Russia. These sanctions were imposed under the Russia (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations (SI 2019/855), which also subject designees to asset freezes in the United Kingdom.
The UK also announced that it will join with E3 partners to cancel bilateral air services arrangement with Iran in order to restrict Iran Air’s ability to fly into the United Kingdom. The UK also issued a joint statement with France and Germany to strongly condemn “Iran’s export and Russia’s procurement of Iranian ballistic missiles,” an act considered to be an escalation of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine and a “direct threat to European security.” In the joint statement, the E3 also announced plans to pursue designations of Iran Air and significant individuals and entities involved in Iran’s ballistic missile program and the transfer of these and other weapons to Russia.
UK Government Press Release | OFSI Financial Sanctions Notice – Iran | OFSI Financial Sanctions Notice – Russia | Joint Statement by UK, France and Germany