THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

Having regard to the Treaty on European Union, and in particular Article 29 thereof,

Having regard to Council Decision (CFSP) 2023/1532 of 20 July 2023 concerning restrictive measures in view of Iran’s military support to Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine and to armed groups and entities in the Middle East and the Red Sea region (1), and in particular Article 4(1) thereof,

Having regard to the proposal from the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy,

Whereas:

(1) On 20 July 2023, the Council adopted Decision (CFSP) 2023/1532.

(2) In its conclusions of 21 and 22 March 2024, the European Council stated that Russia’s access to sensitive items and technologies with battlefield relevance must be restricted to the maximum extent possible, including by targeting entities in third countries enabling the circumvention of sanctions. The European Council called on the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and on the Commission to prepare further sanctions, notably on Iran. Moreover, the European Council stated that the Union would continue to work intensely with regional and international partners to prevent further regional escalation, notably in Lebanon and the Red Sea. The European Council called on all actors, notably Iran, to refrain from escalatory actions.

(3) In its conclusions of 17 April 2024, the European Council strongly and unequivocally condemned the Iranian attack on Israel and reiterated its full solidarity with the people of Israel and commitment to Israel’s security and to regional stability. The European Council called on Iran and its proxies to cease all attacks and urged all parties to exercise the utmost restraint and to refrain from any action that may increase tensions in the region. Furthermore, the European Council conclusions stated that the Union should take further restrictive measures against Iran, notably in relation to unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and missiles. Finally, the European Council reiterated that the Union remains fully committed to contributing to de-escalation and security in the region.

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