TEHRAN- The UK Foreign Office summoned Ali Matinfar, Iran’s top diplomat in London, to condemn Tehran’s supply of ballistic missiles to Russia by putting sanctions like banning Iran Air (IR).
This action was coordinated with European partners and directed by the Foreign Secretary.
Iran Air Banned by Europe
Matinfar, the Chargé d’Affaires of the Iranian Embassy in London, faced a senior Foreign Office official who expressed Britain’s strong disapproval of Iran’s actions.
The UK government emphasized that the transfer of ballistic missiles to Russia for use in Ukraine represents a dangerous escalation of the conflict.
British officials warned that such actions would trigger a significant response from the UK and its allies. The summoning of Matinfar underscores the seriousness with which the UK views Iran’s involvement in the Ukraine conflict.
In a related move, the UK has banned Iran Air from flying to London. This decision directly links to the accusation that Tehran is providing Russia with ballistic missiles for use in Vladimir Putin’s war against Ukraine.
Effective After 12 Months
Foreign Secretary David Lammy announced a ban on Iran Air flights to London, set to take effect in 12 months. This decision follows Lammy’s meeting with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken in London.
France and Germany are implementing similar cancellations of bilateral air services with Iran. Lammy condemned Iran’s supply of ballistic missiles to Russia as a “significant and dangerous escalation” of the Ukraine conflict.
The UK government warned of a “significant response” to any ballistic missile transfers by Iran. Lammy accused Iran of undermining global security and supporting Putin’s “unprovoked, premeditated and barbaric attack” on Ukraine.
In coordination with the US, the UK imposed sanctions on Iranian and Russian individuals and organizations. The UK additionally sanctioned five Russian cargo ships.
During a Foreign Office press conference, Blinken confirmed Western intelligence reports of Iran supplying short-range ballistic missiles to Russia. He stated that Russia has received these missiles and may deploy them in Ukraine within weeks.
Blinken emphasized that Iranian missile supplies enable Russia to allocate more of its existing arsenal for targets further from the front line.
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