Berlin/London News

BERLIN/LONDON (Reuters) – The governments of France, Germany, and Britain have condemned the transfer of Iranian ballistic missiles to Russia. They announced plans to cancel bilateral air services agreements with Iran and work towards sanctioning the airline Iran Air.

This announcement followed U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s statement that Russia had received ballistic missiles from Iran, which could be used in the war in Ukraine soon.

Joint Statement: “This act is an escalation by both Iran and Russia and poses a direct threat to European security.”

The statement urged Iran to cease all support to Russia’s war against Ukraine and halt the development and transfer of its ballistic missiles.

During his visit to Britain, Blinken confirmed that the U.S. would also impose new sanctions, including those on Iran Air.

Britain indicated that cancelling bilateral air services arrangements would restrict Iran Air’s operations within Britain and Europe.

Moreover, Britain announced sanctions against Russian cargo ships for their involvement in transporting military supplies from Iran to Russia. These sanctions also targeted several individuals and organizations that facilitate Iran’s military support to Russia, including those linked to ballistic missile and drone supply chains.

Foreign Minister David Lammy: “We have been clear that any transfer of ballistic missiles by Iran would face a significant response. Today, alongside our international partners, we are calling out this behavior and its attempts to undermine global security.”