Norway aligns with EU sanctions targeting Iran over protest crackdown

Norway has formally aligned itself with the European Union’s sanctions against Iran, which were introduced in response to Tehran’s violent suppression of anti-government protests.

The Norwegian government confirmed its support for the EU measures, which target Iranian officials and organisations linked to the crackdown.

“The EU’s decision to introduce sanctions against concrete individuals that have contributed to the mass killings in Iran is important. Norway will also align itself with the sanctions adopted by the EU against specific individuals and entities. In just the past few weeks, the Iranian regime has killed several thousand civilians who have been demonstrating for their freedom and their right to express themselves.

Through public statements and in direct contact with the Iranian authorities, we have condemned the brutal abuses and the use of force inflicted on the civilian population in connection with the protests in Iran. We have emphasised that the widespread use of executions, arrests, torture, and prolonged internet shutdowns as instruments of control is completely unacceptable.

We reiterate our call on the Iranian authorities to respect human rights and ensure free and unhindered access to information,” said Minister of Foreign Affairs Espen Barth Eide.

On January 29, the European Union announced sanctions against 15 Iranian officials, including senior commanders and figures within the paramilitary Revolutionary Guard, over Iran’s deadly response to nationwide protests fueled by economic hardship and growing public frustration with the government. The EU also imposed restrictive measures on six Iranian organisations connected to the crackdown.

By Tamilla Hasanova