The EU could sanction Iran within a few days over alleged drone sales to Russia

In a few of days, the European Union could slap new sanctions on Iran if it is determined that Tehran aided Russia in the Ukraine conflict.

In recent days, Ukraine has accused Tehran of supplying Russia with drones that have been used to strike the Ukrainian capital. According to the Kyiv City State Administration, 28 drones have been utilised to assault the Ukrainian capital, with five contributing to Monday's explosions.

The United States has also asserted that Iranian drones were utilised in assaults against Kiev on the same date. Iran has refuted the charges.

Josep Borrell, the EU's foreign affairs director, said at a press conference Monday, following a meeting with his European counterparts, "We are closely monitoring the use of these drones, we are gathering evidence, and we will be prepared to react with the means at our disposal."

Due to the sensitivity of the issue, one EU source who did not wish to be identified stated that the group could be prepared to implement penalties "in a matter of days."

A second EU official, who also wished to remain anonymous owing to the delicacy of the situation, stated that further measures "may be implemented in the near future."

According to the first official, they are likely to affect organisations and persons implicated in enabling the transport of drones to Moscow.

These possible fresh sanctions against Iran would be the second in a matter of days. Monday, the EU imposed severe sanctions against Iran for violating human rights with its crackdown on recent protests that followed the death of Mahsa Amini in police detention. Monday's sanctions targeted a total of 97 individuals and eight organisations.

In addition, France and the United Kingdom have cautioned that Iranian arms sales to Russia would violate the terms of the 2015 nuclear deal (known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action). This also suggests that subsequent efforts to renew this agreement may have been futile. In recent weeks, negotiations between Iran, the U.S., and the EU have stopped.

By fLEXI tEAM