Iran Criticizes EU, UK Sanctions on Shipping

Iran has condemned the recent sanctions imposed by the European Union and the United Kingdom, claiming they are based on 'false claims' regarding missile transfers to Russia. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei stated that these sanctions are 'unjustified' and violate international law, particularly concerning freedom of navigation and maritime trade. The EU and UK have targeted Iranian entities, including the Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines (IRISL) and Iran Air, alleging their involvement in supplying ballistic missiles to Russia for use in Ukraine. Baghaei refuted these allegations, citing Ukrainian President Zelensky's acknowledgment that no Iranian ballistic missiles had been supplied to Russia. He emphasized that these sanctions lack legitimacy and violate the commitments under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). Iran continues to assert its stance against the claims, maintaining that it seeks to cooperate with its partners to safeguard national interests.