Iran condemns planned EU sanctions, calling it a case of 'appeasing Israel's blackmail'

Iran has strongly criticised the EU's planned sanctions over its alleged provision of ballistic missiles to Russia, according to a social media post by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.

"I clearly said, and reiterate once again: we've NOT provided ballistic missiles to Russia," Araghchi wrote on X. "If Europe needs a case to appease Israel's blackmail, better find another story."

The EU member states are expected to impose new sanctions on Monday, targeting companies and individuals linked to Iran's ballistic missile programme and the alleged weapons delivery to Russia. The sanctions will also include the state-owned airline Iran Air.

Iran asserts that it has strategic cooperation with Moscow, but denies any involvement in the Ukraine war. Tehran emphasised that providing military aid to warring parties is inhumane.