The EU is poised to impose a fresh round of sanctions on Iran, targeting around 20 individuals and 10 companies involved in the violent crackdown on protesters, seven diplomats, officials and politicians told Euractiv.
The EU’s diplomatic wing sent a proposal for new sanctions to European governments for their consideration on Thursday, the sources said, with the aim of securing unanimous agreement by the 27 countries by the end of the month.
The proposal would sanction individuals in the Iranian regime responsible for the violent crackdown on protesters and companies involved in producing drone technology.
According to two sources, the version sent to EU capitals would list around 20 individuals, and 10 companies manufacturing drones.
EXCLUSIVE: EU Parliament chief Metsola demands tougher Iran sanctions
European Parliament President Roberta Metsola has called on her EU counterparts to impose much tougher…
3 minutes
However, according to one of the officials, it does not include sanctioning Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps, a 200,000-strong body that is involved in putting down the protests. France, Italy and Spain are reportedly blocking the move.
Euractiv’s flagship newsletter Rapporteur reported that Kaja Kallas, the EU’s high representative for foreign affairs, told lawmakers on Wednesday the sanctions should be ready for discussion and approval among foreign affairs ministers on 29 January in Brussels. Technical work in Brussels will commence next week.
(vib)