The UK has announced that it will be terminating all direct air services between the country and Iran, as part of new sanctions imposed on Tehran for supplying Russia with missiles to use in Ukraine. This move is in conjunction with other international partners, with the aim of restricting Iran Air’s ability to fly into the UK. Iran Air currently operates direct flights between London and Tehran three days a week. The decision to cut off air services comes as Western powers unveil fresh sanctions on Iran for supplying Russia with short-range missiles for use in the conflict in Ukraine, which has been deemed a dangerous escalation of the situation that threatens European security.
The UK Foreign Ministry stated that these sanctions were a result of repeated warnings to Tehran not to transfer these deadly weapons to Russia and added that every possible lever would be used to pressure Iran to end its support for Russian President Vladimir Putin’s illegal invasion of Ukraine. Transport Secretary Louise Haigh emphasized the importance of these measures to cut off all direct air services between the UK and Iran. In addition to the air service termination, the UK is joining the United States in imposing sanctions on key individuals and organizations involved in facilitating Iran’s military support to Russia. This includes those involved in ballistic missile and drone supply chains, as well as Russian organizations intending to use these weapons systems against Ukraine and Russian cargo ships transporting military supplies from Iran to Russia.
The UK’s decision to terminate direct air services with Iran is part of a broader international effort to pressure Tehran to cease its support for Russia’s military actions in Ukraine. This move comes as Western powers impose sanctions on Iran for supplying Russia with missiles for use in the conflict, which has been condemned as a dangerous escalation of the situation. These measures, including cutting off Iran Air’s ability to fly into the UK and imposing sanctions on key individuals and organizations, are aimed at increasing pressure on Iran to end its support for Russia’s actions in Ukraine. The UK’s Transport Secretary emphasized the importance of using all available tools to pressure Iran to halt its support for Putin’s illegal invasion and expressed the need to take robust action against those involved in facilitating Iran’s military support to Russia.
The termination of all direct air services between the UK and Iran is a significant step in the UK’s efforts to put pressure on Tehran to end its support for Russia’s military actions in Ukraine. These sanctions are part of a coordinated international effort to restrict Iran’s ability to provide military assistance to Russia, particularly in the form of missiles. The UK, along with other Western powers, has warned Tehran against transferring such weapons to Russia and has now taken action to cut off direct air services as a means of increasing pressure on Iran. By joining the United States in imposing sanctions on key individuals and organizations involved in facilitating Iran’s military support to Russia, the UK is demonstrating its commitment to holding those responsible accountable for their actions.
In response to Iran’s support for Russia’s military actions in Ukraine, the UK has taken the decisive step of terminating all direct air services between the two countries. This move is part of a broader effort to pressure Iran to end its support for Russia, particularly in the supply of missiles for use in the conflict. The UK’s decision to cut off Iran Air’s ability to fly into the UK and to join the United States in imposing sanctions on key individuals and organizations involved in facilitating Iran’s military support to Russia demonstrates a firm stance against those supporting Russia’s actions in Ukraine. These measures send a strong message to Tehran that its support for Russia’s aggression will not be tolerated, and that there will be consequences for those involved in facilitating such support. By taking these steps, the UK is playing a key role in the international response to Russia’s actions in Ukraine and sending a clear signal that Iran’s actions will not go unpunished.
