Iran: European Sanctions Related to Russia's War in Ukraine Have "Political Motivation"

The Iranian Foreign Ministry stated today, Friday, that Iran "retains the right to respond and take appropriate action," following the European Union's imposition of sanctions on Tehran for its support of the Russian war in Ukraine. The ministry again denied sending drones to Russia for use in its war against Ukraine. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Nasser Kanaani wrote on Twitter, "Linking the Ukraine war with the bilateral cooperation between Iran and Russia has a political motivation." Kanaani added, "We emphasize the need to end the conflict diplomatically... Iran retains the right to respond and take appropriate measures against the EU sanctions and those of its member states." The European Union said yesterday, Thursday, that it would ban the export of components used in the manufacture and production of drones. The EU also listed six Iranian citizens under existing sanctions "for Iran's military support of the Russian aggression against Ukraine (with drones) and the Syrian regime (with air defense systems)."