UK imposes sanctions on Iran Air, Russian vessel Port Olya-3

The UK government has imposed new sanctions on Iran Air, the Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines (IRISL), and the Russian cargo vessel Port Olya-3, citing their involvement in activities that support Iran's defence sector.

The updated sanctions list was published on the official UK government website, Caliber.Az reports citing Russian media.

The British government justified the sanctions by stating that these entities are either owned or controlled by Iran and play a role in the country's "hostile activities." Specifically, the UK claims that the companies contribute to Iran's defence sector and that the Port Olya-3 vessel was involved in transporting military cargo from a third country to Russia.

According to the British authorities, the Port Olya-3, which was built in 2011, is operated by United Cargo Fleet, a company with ties to the Russian shipping industry.

This move follows similar actions taken by the United States, which placed Iran Air on a sanctions list on September 10, 2023, in connection with its alleged involvement in aiding Russia.

Additionally, IRISL has been subject to US sanctions since 2020 due to its suspected role in facilitating military trade with Russia.

Both Russia and Iran have consistently denied claims regarding the supply of Iranian weapons to Russia for use in the Ukraine conflict. The Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov has emphasized that Moscow and Tehran intend to strengthen bilateral cooperation in all areas, including those related to sensitive matters.

By Vafa Guliyeva