Connect with us

Published

on

Brussels steps up economic and diplomatic pressure on Tehran as human rights abuses and violent crackdowns escalate

EU prepares new sanctions on Iran amid ongoing protests and repression – The European Union is preparing to implement new sanctions on Iran in response to the brutal crackdown on ongoing protests, which human rights groups estimate may have caused up to 12,000 deaths. The measures, similar to those applied to Russia after the invasion of Ukraine, aim to exert economic and diplomatic pressure while the United States and Israel consider military options.

EU Foreign Policy Chief Kaja Kallas and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen have signaled their readiness to expand current restrictive measures. Von der Leyen condemned the excessive use of force and ongoing restrictions on freedoms, emphasizing the EU’s support for the Iranian people marching for liberty.

The new sanctions will build upon existing measures targeting human rights abuses, nuclear proliferation, and Iran’s military support to Russia’s aggression in Ukraine. Past sanctions, in place since 2011 and extended through April 13, 2026, have included travel bans, asset freezes, and prohibitions on supplying equipment that could be used for internal repression. Currently, over 230 individuals and 40 entities have been sanctioned for human rights violations.

In addition, the EU has imposed three cycles of drone-related sanctions and established frameworks for Iran’s military support to armed groups in the Middle East and Red Sea regions. Sanctioned parties include drone manufacturers, missile propellant producers, shipping companies, the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Navy, Iranian airlines, and senior defense officials. These measures are in effect until July 27, 2026.

Commercial sanctions include bans on exporting arms, dual-use goods, nuclear-related equipment, crude oil, natural gas, petrochemical products, and certain software. Financial sanctions cover the Iranian Central Bank and major commercial banks, with strict reporting and authorization rules for large fund transfers. Transport sanctions restrict Iranian cargo flights and maintenance services within EU territory.

Most recently, on September 29, 2025, the EU reinstated all economic and financial sanctions related to Iran’s nuclear program that had been lifted in 2016, following the UN Security Council’s decision not to extend the suspension of UN sanctions.

These steps underline the EU’s determination to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons and to hold accountable those responsible for human rights violations. The EU continues to prioritize both diplomatic and economic pressure to support fundamental rights and freedoms for the Iranian population.

Foto © Ernie Audino

THE LATEST NEWS

Clintons refuse to testify on Epstein before House Oversight

Former President and ex-Secretary of State call subpoenas “invalid and legally unenforceable” amid congressional investigation Bill and Hillary Clinton have...
Read More
Clintons refuse to testify on Epstein before House Oversight

EU prepares new sanctions on Iran amid ongoing protests and repression

Brussels steps up economic and diplomatic pressure on Tehran as human rights abuses and violent crackdowns escalate EU prepares new...
Read More
EU prepares new sanctions on Iran amid ongoing protests and repression

Pentagon Presents Attack Options to Trump as Iran Protests Escalate

The Pentagon is briefing President Trump on potential military and cyber responses to Iran, while Tehran faces growing protests and...
Read More
Pentagon Presents Attack Options to Trump as Iran Protests Escalate

US urges citizens to leave Iran immediately amid rising protests

Security Alert published on the US virtual embassy platform warns Americans to exit the country at once, citing rising unrest,...
Read More
US urges citizens to leave Iran immediately amid rising protests

Protests against the regime in Iran: counter-demonstrations and crackdown continue

State media shows support for the Ayatollahs in Tehran as the death toll rises. Arrests and zero-tolerance warnings target demonstrators...
Read More
Protests against the regime in Iran: counter-demonstrations and crackdown continue

Trump attacks on Fed: markets show surprising calm despite DOJ inquiry

The Justice Department opens an investigation into Fed Chair Jerome Powell, but Wall Street remains largely unfazed as tensions escalate...
Read More
Trump attacks on Fed: markets show surprising calm despite DOJ inquiry

Di Tendenza/Trending