New Sanction to Affect Iranian Airlines Operation to Europe, Impact Iranian Military Projects

According to Iran International, the website of the opposition to the regime in Tehran, operated from London, Iran Air, the only Iranian airline operating flights to European Union countries, has suspended its services to Europe due to new sanctions imposed by the bloc, as per the Iranian authorities announcement on October 15.

“Iran Air was the only airline in our country flying to Europe, and considering the new sanctions of the European Union against Iran Air, not a single Iranian airplane will fly to Europe now,” said Maqsood Asadi Samani, Director of the Association of Iranian Airlines.

Last week, the European Union introduced sanctions targeting Iran Air, Mahan Air, and Saha Airlines. The sanctions also covered various industrial and transport companies as well as related officials, businessmen and military personnel.

According to the website, the United States and Western allies accused Iran of using its civilian air fleet to transfer missiles to Russia for its war in Ukraine – charges Tehran denies.

Asadi Samani said there had been significant demand for flights from Iran to European destinations which will now likely now be met by foreign airlines.

“Flights to Europe in this situation will probably be made through connecting flights in intermediate countries, such as Turkey and the UAE,” he said, adding that passengers from Iran will now have to rely on such routes to reach Europe.

Last month, the United States sanctioned Iran Air after accusing Tehran of supplying Russia with short-range ballistic missiles. The US Treasury accused Iran Air of having transported goods “on behalf of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and Ministry of Defence and Armed Forces Logistics (MODAFL).”

Iran has been deeply involved in Russia’s war effort in Ukraine since mid-2022, providing drones, spare parts and training. However, the provision of missiles is viewed by Western powers as a significant escalation warranting a strong response.

Israeli sources said that the suspension will affect some of the Iranian military programs as the flights of the Iranian airlines were used to transfer “components” purchased by Iranian “Straw” companies to Iran.