The Council of the European Union adopted restrictive measures against Iranian individuals and entities for their role in the transfer of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to armed groups and entities undermining peace and security in the Middle East and the Red Sea region and for being involved in Iran’s UAV programme.
The listings include:
- Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters (KCHG) – a central entity in the command chain of Iran’s armed forces making operational military decisions about the deployment of UAVs – and one of its commanders
- Kavan Electronics Behrad LLC – an Iran-based company procuring and selling components for the manufacturing of UAVs – together with its CEO and Chairman of the Board of Directors
- the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy (IRGCN), which is involved in the delivery of Iranian arms, including Iranian UAVs and missiles to be used by armed groups like the Houthis and Hezbollah in the Middle East and Red Sea region
Furthermore, the Council decided to list the Minister of Defence of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Mohammad-Reza Gharaei Ashtiani, a commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Qods Force (IRGC-QF), and the head of EU-listed Iranian Aviations Industries Organization (IAIO), Afshin Khaji Fard.
Those targeted will be subject to an asset freeze and travel ban to the European Union. Additionally, the provision of funds or economic resources, directly or indirectly, to or for the benefit of natural or legal persons, entities or bodies listed is prohibited.
