EU sanctions block trade with Iran

New sanctions by the European Union ban Iranian air cargo and shipping companies from operating across and in The EU.

The EU approved sanctions banning Iranian operations as it believes Tehran is trying to develop nuclear weapons.  Iran claims its nuclear programme is set up to produce much needed energy and is in no way linked to any Nuclear weapons programme.


Meanwhile, the US has continued to name companies they believe have been set-up for Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines (IRISL) subjecting them to restrictions the United States already apply against Iran’s major carrier.  A further 27 vessels have been added to a blacklist of ships said to be under IRISL control. 

The moves are part of measures designed to target Tehran, backed by the United Nations Security Council, some of which affect IRISL.  The US Treasury said IRISL had engaged in deceptive behaviour to evade scrutiny, including falsification of shipping documents and systematic changing of vessel identities, developing a wide network of rogue corporate entities to hide it's trade behaviour to circumvent US trade sanctions already in place. 

Reports emanating from Iran have warned it will retaliate if more air freight destined for the country is interfered with, after shipments from Russia to Iran were seized last week. 

Iran Parliament Speaker Ali Larijani said: “I am warning the US and certain adventurous countries that in case they plan to inspect the cargo of Iranian ships and planes, they should rest assured that we will do the same in the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman. 

“This retaliation would be part of our policy to protect our national interests.”