The UK has slapped sanctions on Iranian individuals and business responsible for supplying Russia with kamikaze drones being used to bombard Ukraine.
Russia is using the drones to attack both civilian targets and critical infrastructure in Kyiv and across Ukraine, with the intention of cutting off Ukrainian people from energy, heating, and water.
The Foreign Secretary James Cleverly announced the sanctions against three Iranian generals — Major General Mohammed Hossein Bagheri, the current chief of staff of Iran's armed forces, logistics officer General Sayed Hojatollah Qureishi and Brigadier General Saeed Aghajani, the commander of the Revolutionary Guards drone program — and Shahed Aviation Industries, the Iranian manufacturer of the drones used by Russia in Ukraine. The generals and the company will be subject to an asset freeze, and will also be banned from entering the UK.
Mr Cleverly, The Foreign Secretary commented:
"Iran’s support for Putin’s brutal and illegal war against Ukraine is deplorable. Today we are sanctioning those who have supplied the drones used by Russia to target Ukrainian civilians. This is clear evidence of Iran’s destabilising role in global security.
These cowardly drone strikes are an act of desperation. By enabling these strikes, these individuals and a manufacturer have caused the people of Ukraine untold suffering. We will ensure that they are held to account for their actions."