U.S. Senators Jim Risch (R-Idaho) and Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.) have called on European leaders to enhance their efforts against Iran, urging alignment with U.S. sanctions following Iran’s transfer of short-range ballistic missiles to Russia for use in its war against Ukraine.
In a letter addressed to key European officials, the senators emphasized the need for the European Union (EU) to match recent measures announced by France, Germany, and the United Kingdom (E3) targeting Iranian airlines and entities involved in missile transfers. They also advocated for designating the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization and initiating snapback sanctions under UN Security Council Resolution 2231.
“Specifically, we call on the EU to mirror efforts recently announced by the E3 to impose restrictions on Iranian airlines and other entities that have facilitated these ballistic missile and other weapons transfers to Russia,” wrote Risch and Ricketts. “However, these actions should represent the floor, not the ceiling, of any European response.”
The senators highlighted Iran’s extensive support for Russia since February 2022, including supplying weaponized drones, artillery shells, and ammunition. In return, Russia has provided various forms of military assistance to Iran. The partnership has reportedly expanded further with recent indications of missile purchases by Russia from Iran.
“Today, Iran poses the greatest direct threat to European and global security that it ever has,” concluded Risch and Ricketts. “This threat will only grow unless it faces real consequences for its aggression.”
The full text of their letter is available below:
Dear High Representative Borrell, Secretary Lammy, Minister Baerbock, and Minister Séjourné,
With the recent confirmation that Iran has transferred short-range ballistic missiles to Russia, we write to implore the United Kingdom (UK), France, Germany (E3), and the European Union (EU) to take bold action to hold Iran accountable for this escalation. We believe the EU’s Iran policies are undercutting our mutual aims in Ukraine. The United States and our allies must come together to more effectively isolate Russia and nations that materially support Putin’s war in Ukraine.
Specifically, we call on the EU to mirror efforts recently announced by the E3 to impose restrictions on Iranian airlines and other entities that have facilitated these ballistic missile and other weapons transfers to Russia. However, these actions should represent the floor, not the ceiling of any European response. Additionally we strongly advocate for the EU UK designate Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps IRGC terrorist organization Finally E3 with EU support initiate snapback sanctions under UN Security Council Resolution 2231 which would restore global UN arms embargo other restrictions on Iran’s missile program
Iran is inextricably linked Vladmir Putin illegal unprovoked invasion Ukraine Since February 2022 supplied thousands weaponized drones used attack Ukrainian cities exhaust air defenses kill civilians also supplied hundreds thousands artillery shells along over million rounds types ammunition In return launched multiple satellites space sent Tehran captured Western weapons specialists reverse engineer reportedly finalized deal sell advanced military equipment including Su-35 fighter jets continues revenues military relationship dramatically increase support terror proxies Middle East
Concerningly partnership expanded further year clear indications intended purchase short-range ballistic missiles response March 15 Group Seven G7 threatened “were proceed providing technology prepared respond swiftly coordinated manner new significant measures However despite red line remained undeterred September Wall Street Journal revealed proceeded transfer later confirmed Secretary State Blinken
Today greatest direct threat global security ever This only grow unless faces real consequences aggression Collective U S-European pressure reflect grim reality We hope take perspective consideration weigh further near future
Sincerely,
