Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 18 September 2024
47. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will propose at the next EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting that additional severe sanctions be applied by the EU to Iran due to its export of ballistic missiles to Russia. [36664/24]
View answerIran has played a destabilising role in the Middle East and wider region for many years. This is especially evident in their transfer of missiles and drones to Russia and other advanced weapons to various non-State groups in the wider Middle East region. The transfer now of ballistic missiles to Russia directly threatens European security.
I have noted, with interest, the statements by the new Iranian government that they would seek a more constructive international engagement. This missile transfer flies in the face of that. Many EU leaders have warned Iran against the transfer of such weapons, which Russia was known to be seeking. I conveyed this message in a recent phone conversation with Foreign Minister Araghchi.
We must respond to this development. As noted in the statement on the issue by EU High Representative Borrell on 13 September, the issue of further EU sanctions is now being considered.
