THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

Having regard to the Treaty on European Union, and in particular Article 29 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 (1).

(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 through third countries. 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, including against 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 might increase tensions in the region. Furthermore, the European Council stated that the Union would take further restrictive measures against Iran, notably in relation to unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and missiles. Finally, the European Council reiterated that the Union remained fully committed to contributing to de-escalation and security in the region.

(4) Russia is using Iran-produced UAVs in support of its war of aggression against Ukraine, which violates the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of that country, including against civilians and civilian infrastructure. The Iranian state-sponsored programme for the development and production of UAVs therefore contributes to violations of the Charter of the United Nations and of fundamental principles of international law.

(5) In view of the gravity of the situation, one entity should be included in the list of natural and legal persons, entities and bodies subject to restrictive measures set out in the Annex to Decision (CFSP) 2023/1532.

(6) Decision (CFSP) 2023/1532 should therefore be amended accordingly,

HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:

Article 1

The Annex to Decision (CFSP) 2023/1532 is amended in accordance with the Annex to this Decision.

Article 2

This Decision shall enter into force on the date of its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.

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