The UK has today (14th October) announced a new round
of sanctions targeting senior Iranian military figures and
organisations for their role in attempting to destabilise the
Middle East.
In response to Iran's attack against Israel on 1 October, today's
package targets senior figures who facilitate this behaviour, in
the Islamic Republic of Iran Army, Iran's Air Force and the IRGC
Intelligence Organisation.
The package will also designate Farzanegan Propulsion Systems
Design Bureau (FPSDB), which designs and manufactures parts that
can be used in cruise missiles, as well as the Iranian Space
Agency, which develops technologies that have applications in
ballistic missile development.
Foreign Secretary, said:
“Despite repeated warnings, the dangerous actions of Iran and its
proxies are driving further escalation in the Middle
East.
“Following its ballistic missile attack on Israel, we are holding
Iran to account and exposing those who facilitated
these acts.
“Alongside allies and partners, we will continue to take
necessary measures to challenge Iran's unacceptable threats and
press for de-escalation across the region.”
Today's announcement follows repeated warnings from the UK and
international partners calling on Iran to cease its dangerous and
escalatory activity across the Middle East.
It also follows the G7 joint statement
condemning Iran's missile attack on Israel and outlined the
necessary steps being taken in response.
The Foreign Secretary also discussed Iran's actions with European
partners at the EU Foreign Affairs Council today, where he
continued to push for de-escalation across the region.
Individuals sanctioned today and are subject to a travel ban and
asset freeze, include:
-
Abdolrahim Mousavi: Commander-in Chief of the
Islamic Republic of Iran Army and a member of Iran's Supreme
National Security Council.
-
Mohammad-Hossein Dadras: Deputy Commander-in
Chief of the Islamic Republic of Iran Army.
-
Hamid Vahedi: Commander of the Islamic
Republic of Iran Air Force.
-
Mohammad Kazemi: Islamic Revolutionary Guard
Corps (IRGC) Intelligence Chief.
-
Habibollah Sayyari: Head of the Joint Staff of
the Iranian Army and Deputy Chief for Coordination of the
Iranian Army.
-
Ali-Mohammad Naini: IRGC Spokesperson.
-
Houssein Pourfarzaneh: Chief Engineer of
Farzanegan Propulsion Systems Design Bureau (FPSDB).
The following organisations are also subject to an asset freeze:
-
Farzanegan Propulsion Systems Design Bureau (FPSDB):
FPSDB designs and manufactures engine technology which
can be used in cruise missiles.
-
The Iranian Space Agency: The Iranian Space
Agency develops space launch vehicle technologies, which have
applications in ballistic missile development.
The UK already has over 400 sanctions imposed on Iran, including
designations against the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC)
in its entirety and many of those responsible for the recent
attack on Israel.
The UK will continue to work with international partners to hold
Iran to account for its escalatory behaviour in the Middle East
and its attempts to undermine global security.
The UK is clear that a wider regional conflict must be avoided at
all costs and is committed to working with partners to secure a
ceasefire on all sides.
ENDS
Notes To Editors:
- Today's Iran sanctions sit under the UK's Iran (Sanctions)
Regulations 2023.
- The Iran sanctions regime contains measures designed to
target individuals and organisations, including designation
powers designed to deter the Government of Iran or armed groups
that they back, from conducting hostile activity against the
United Kingdom or any other country.
- Following Iran's attack against Israel on 1 October, the UK
joins international partners in holding Iran to account for its
reckless behaviour. In addition to today's announcement from the
UK Government, the US last week announced several sanctions
against Iranian Petroleum and Petrochemical Sectors in response
to the attack.
Definitions:
- Asset freeze: an asset freeze prevents any UK citizen, or any
business in the UK, from dealing with any funds or economic
resources which are owned, held or controlled by the designated
person. It also prevents funds or economic resources being
provided to or for the benefit of the designated person. UK
financial sanctions apply to all persons within the territory and
territorial sea of the UK and to all UK persons, wherever they
are in the world
- Travel ban: a travel ban means that the designated person
must be refused leave to enter or to remain in the United
Kingdom, providing the individual is an excluded person under
section 8B of the Immigration Act 1971.
