Council Decision (CFSP) 2024/1605 of 31 May 2024 amending Decision (CFSP) 2023/1532 concerning restrictive measures in view of Iran’s military support to Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine and to armed groups and entities in the Middle East and the Red Sea region
Date: 2024-05-31
Institutions: Council of the European Union
Subjects: EU restrictive measure, Iran, Russia, Russo-Ukrainian issue, Ukraine, economic sanctions, international sanctions, legal person, natural person, territorial dispute








L_202401605EN.000101.fmx.xml












Official Journal of the European Union


EN
L series













2024/1605


31.5.2024







            COUNCIL DECISION (CFSP) 2024/1605
         
of 31 May 2024
         
amending Decision (CFSP) 2023/1532 concerning restrictive measures in view of Iran’s military support to Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine and to armed groups and entities in the Middle East and the Red Sea region


THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

Having regard to the Treaty on European Union, and in particular Article 29 thereof,


Having regard to Council Decision (CFSP) 2023/1532 of 20 July 2023 concerning restrictive measures in view of Iran’s military support to Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine and to armed groups and entities in the Middle East and the Red Sea region (1), and in particular Article 4(1) thereof,


Having regard to the proposal from the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy,

Whereas:







(1)


On 20 July 2023, the Council adopted Decision (CFSP) 2023/1532.












(2)


In its conclusions of 21 and 22 March 2024, the European Council stated that Russia’s access to sensitive items and technologies with battlefield relevance must be restricted to the maximum extent possible, including by targeting entities in third countries enabling the circumvention of sanctions. The European Council called on the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and on the Commission to prepare further sanctions, notably on Iran. Moreover, the European Council stated that the Union would continue to work intensely with regional and international partners to prevent further regional escalation, notably in Lebanon and the Red Sea. The European Council called on all actors, notably Iran, to refrain from escalatory actions.












(3)


In its conclusions of 17 April 2024, the European Council strongly and unequivocally condemned the Iranian attack on Israel and reiterated its full solidarity with the people of Israel and commitment to Israel’s security and to regional stability. The European Council called on Iran and its proxies to cease all attacks and urged all parties to exercise the utmost restraint and to refrain from any action that may increase tensions in the region. Furthermore, the European Council conclusions stated that the Union should take further restrictive measures against Iran, notably in relation to unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and missiles. Finally, the European Council reiterated that the Union remains fully committed to contributing to de-escalation and security in the region.












(4)


Russia is using Iran-produced UAVs in support of its war of aggression against Ukraine, which violates the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of Ukraine, including against civilians and civilian infrastructure. The Iranian State-sponsored programme for the development and production of UAVs therefore contributes to violations of the UN Charter and of fundamental principles of international law.












(5)


In that context, six persons and three entities should be included in the list of natural and legal persons, entities and bodies subject to restrictive measures set out in the Annex to Decision (CFSP) 2023/1532.












(6)


Decision (CFSP) 2023/1532 should therefore be amended accordingly,





HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:



Article 1
The Annex to Decision (CFSP) 2023/1532 is amended as set out in the Annex to this Decision.


Article 2
This Decision shall enter into force on the date of its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.




Done at Brussels, 31 May 2024.


For the Council


The President

H. LAHBIB
            





(1)  
            OJ L 186, 25.7.2023, p. 20.




ANNEX
The following entries are added to the list of natural and legal persons, entities and bodies set out in the Annex to Decision (CFSP) 2023/1532:
Persons











 


Names (Transliteration into Latin script)


Names


Identifying information


Reasons for listing


Date of listing




‘7.


Mohammad-Reza Gharaei ASHTIANI


محمد رضا قرایی آشتیانی
(Farsi spelling)


Position(s): Minister of Defence of the Islamic Republic of Iran
DOB: 1960
POB: Tehran, Iran
Nationality: Iranian
Gender: male
Associated entities: Ministry of Defence and Armed Forces Logistics (MODAFL)


Mohammad-Reza Gharaei Ashtiani has been the Minister of Defence of the Islamic Republic of Iran since August 2021 and is therefore responsible for the EU-listed Ministry of Defence and Armed Forces Logistics (MODAFL).
MODAFL is responsible for the planning, logistics and funding of Iran’s Armed Forces. It is also a key player in Iran’s defence industry with multiple conglomerates and subordinates active in research and development, maintenance and manufacturing of military equipment, including the manufacturing of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
MODAFL is also involved in the set-up of a joint plant for the production of UAVs and the sale of UAVs to Russia with the intended use in Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine.
As Defence Minister, Ashtiani is directly involved in Iran’s UAV programme and is involved in transferring Iran’s UAVs to Russia in support of its war of aggression against Ukraine.


31.5.2024




8.


Gholam Ali RASHID
a.k.a. Gholamali RASHID


غلامعلی رشید
(Farsi spelling)


Position(s): IRGC commander of the Khatam al-Anbia Central Headquarters (KCHG)
DOB: 1953
POB: Dezful, Iran
Nationality: Iranian
Gender: male
Associated entities: Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters (KCHG)


Gholam Ali Rashid has been the commander of the EU-listed Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters (KCHG) since June 2016.
The KCHG is the central entity in the command chain of Iran’s armed forces making operational military decisions, as well as coordinating between Iran’s conventional army (Artesh) and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), which both procure and deploy unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
The KCHG’s mission is to oversee offensive and defensive operations, including through its regional and thematic headquarters such as the ones in the Persian Gulf or Gulf of Oman, which report to the main headquarters. It is also responsible for planning and coordinating joint military operations, including drills.
Gholam Ali Rashid has overseen UAV deployments and supervised UAV battlefield readiness in drills and exercises.
Preceding IRGC and Artesh in the command chain, thereby overseeing all of Iran’s armed forces, intelligence and EU-listed Khatam al-Anbiya Construction Headquarters, Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters is at the core of Iran’s military forces and therefore involved in transferring UAVs to Russia and armed groups in the Middle East and Red Sea region.
Gholam Ali Rashid is therefore involved in Iran’s UAV programme and in transferring UAVs to Russia in support of its war of aggression against Ukraine and to armed groups and entities undermining peace and security in the Middle East and the Red Sea region.


31.5.2024




9.


Hossein Hatefi ARDAKANI
a.k.a.
Hasan HASHEM; Hossein Hatafi ARDAKANI; Hossein Hatfi ARDAKANI


حسین هاتفی اردکانی
(Farsi spelling)


Position(s): chairperson of the board of directors of Kavan Electronics Behrad LLC; procurement agent for the IRGC
DOB: 21.09.1985
POB: Ardakan, Iran
Nationality: Iranian
Gender: male
Passport number: U34290111 (Iran);
4449916581 (Iran)
Associated entities: Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Research and Self-Sufficiency Jihad Organisation (IRGC SSJO); Kavan Electronics Behrad LLC
Associated individuals: Mehdi Dehghani MOHAMMADABADI


Hossein Hatefi Ardakani serves as chairperson of the board of directors and is a shareholder of Iran-based and EU-listed Kavan Electronics Behrad LLC.
Using a complex network of shell and foreign companies, including EU-listed Kavan Electronics Behrad LLC, Ardakani supports the IRGC SSJO’s efforts in obtaining crucial goods for the UAV production.
As chairperson of the board of Kavan Electronics Behrad LLC, he is responsible for leading the company’s board, defining its strategic objectives and overseeing its business, hence he is involved in transferring Iran’s UAVs to Russia.
Hossein Hatefi Ardakani is therefore supporting Iran’s UAV programme. He is also involved in transferring Iran’s UAVs to Russia in support of its war of aggression against Ukraine.


31.5.2024




10.


Mehdi Dehghani MOHAMMADABADI


مهدی دهقانی محمدآبادی
(Farsi spelling)


Position(s): CEO of Kavan Electronics Behrad LLC
DOB: 23.09.1982
Nationality: Iranian
Gender: male
Passport number: 4433172081 (Iran)
Associated entities: Revolutionary Guard Corps Research and Self-Sufficiency Jihad Organisation (IRGC SSJO); Kavan Electronics Behrad LLC
Associated individuals: Hossein Hatefi ARDAKANI


Mehdi Dehghani Mohammadabadi serves as CEO, member of the board of directors, as well as a shareholder of the Iran-based and EU-listed Kavan Electronics Behrad LLC.
Kavan Electronics Behrad LLC is a company involved in the supply of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) items to the EU-listed Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Research and Self-Sufficiency Jihad Organisation (IRGC SSJO).
As CEO, he is responsible for managing and steering the company. As a member of the board, he is involved in all significant decisions the company takes. Hence he is involved in transferring Iran’s UAVs to Russia.
Mehdi Dehghani Mohammadabadi is therefore involved in Iran’s UAV programme. He is also involved in transferring Iran’s UAVs to Russia in support of its war of aggression against Ukraine.


31.5.2024




11.


Ismail QAANI
a.k.a. Esma’il QANI; Esmaeil GHA’ANI; Esmaeil GHAANI; Esmail QA’ANI; Ismail Akbar QAANI


اسماعیل قاآنی
(Farsi spelling)


Position(s): Commander of the IRGC Qods Force
DOB: 08.08.1957
POB: Mashad, Iran
Nationality: Iranian
Gender: male
Rank: Brigadier-General
Passport number: D9003033; D9008347
Associated entities: Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC); IRGC-Qods Force


Ismail Qaani is the Commander of the EU-listed Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Qods Force (IRGC-QF).
The IRGC-QF is responsible for orchestrating a network of regional militias that have aggressively expanded Iran’s military influence across the Arab world in recent decades.
Under Qaani’s command, the IRGC-QF facilitates and supports unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) and missile attacks by transferring Iranian weapons to militias in the Middle East and Red Sea region.
Under Qaani’s orders, the IRGC-QF enables and supports the drone and missile attacks by Houthis.
Therefore, in his capacity as leader of the IRGC-QF, Ismail Qaani is involved in transferring Iran’s missiles and UAVs to armed groups and entities undermining peace and security in the Middle East and Red Sea region.


31.5.2024




12.


Afshin Khaji FARD


افشین خواجه فرد
(Farsi spelling)


Position(s): Head of Iranian Aviations Industries Organisation (IAIO)
POB: Abadan, Iran
Nationality: Iranian
Gender: male
National ID no.: 1819457850
Associated entities: Iranian Aviations Industries Organisation (IAIO); Ministry of Defence and Armed Forces Logistics (MODAFL)


Afshin Khaji Fard is the head of the EU-listed Iranian Aviations Industries Organisation (IAIO), a state-owned company under the authority of the EU-listed Ministry of Defence and Armed Forces Logistics (MODAFL).
The IAIO is responsible for planning and managing Iran’s military aviation industry, including developing unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
In his capacity as head of the IAIO, Fard has publicly promoted Iran’s UAV industry and frequently stated that the IAIO is actively involved in innovating Iran’s UAVs.
Therefore, Afshin Khaji Fard is supporting and involved in Iran’s UAV programme.


31.5.2024’.





Entities











 


Names (Transliteration into Latin script)


Names


Identifying information


Reasons for listing


Date of listing




‘6.


Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters (KCHG)
a.k.a. Khatam al-Anbiye Central Headquarters; KACHQ


قرارگاه مرکزی خاتمالانبیا (ص)
(Farsi spelling)


Type of entity: government entity
Associated entities: Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC)
Associated individuals: Gholam Ali RASHID (commander of KCHG)


The Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters (KCHG) is the central entity in the command chain of Iran’s armed forces making operational military decisions, as well as coordinating between Iran’s conventional army (Artesh) and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), which both procure and deploy unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
The KCHG’s mission is to oversee offensive and defensive operations, including through its regional and thematic headquarters such as the ones in the Persian Gulf or Gulf of Oman, which report to the main headquarters. It is also responsible for planning and coordinating joint military operations, including drills.
The KCHG is headed by the EU-listed IRGC commander Gholam Ali Rashid, who has overseen UAV deployments and supervised UAV battlefield readiness in drills and exercises.
Preceding IRGC and Artesh in the command chain, thereby overseeing all of Iran’s armed forces, intelligence and EU-listed Khatam al-Anbiya Construction Headquarters, Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters is at the core of Iran’s military forces and therefore involved in transferring UAVs to Russia in support of its war of aggression against Ukraine and to armed groups and entities undermining peace and security in the Middle East and the Red Sea region. Furthermore, the KCHG is involved in Iran’s UAV programme.


31.5.2024




7.


Kavan Electronics Behrad LLC
a.k.a. Kavan Electronics;
Kavan Electronic co. LTD;
Kavan Electronic Company;
Kavan Electronic Sadr Aria Engineering Limited Liability Company


شرکت بامسیولیت محدود
کاوان الکترونیک بهراد
(Farsi spelling)


Address: No 63, Unit 4, Shahrara, Patrice Lumumba St., Abshori Sharghi St., Tehran 144593491, Iran
Type of entity: limited liability company (LLC)
Place of registration: Iran
Date of registration: 13.07.2016
Registration number: 495080 (Iran)
National ID number: 14005997725 (Iran)
Principal place of business: Iran
Associated entities: Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Research and Self-Sufficiency Jihad Organisation (IRGC SSJO)
Associated individuals:
Hossein Hatefi ARDAKANI (Chairman of the Board of Directors); Mehdi Dehghani MOHAMMADABADI (CEO)


Kavan Electronics Behrad LLC is an Iran-based company procuring and selling servomotors and other components relevant for the manufacturing of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to the EU-listed Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Research and Self-Sufficiency Jihad Organisation (IRGC SSJO)
The company’s Chairman of the Board of Directors is the EU-listed Hossein Hatefi Ardakani, who oversees a transnational procurement network that spans the Middle East and East Asia, which caters for the production of UAVs overseen by the IRGC SSJO.
Kavan Electronics Behrad LLC is therefore involved in Iran’s UAV programme. It is also involved in transferring Iran’s UAVs to Russia in support of its war of aggression against Ukraine.


31.5.2024




8.


Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy (IRGCN)
a.k.a.
Nirooy-e Daryaei-e Sepah;
NEDSA


نیروی دریایی سپاه پاسداران انقلاب اسلامی
(Farsi spelling)


Type of entity: government entity
Place of registration: Bandar Abbas, Iran
Date of registration: 1981
Principal place of business: Iran
Associated entities: Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC)


The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy (IRGCN) is part of the IRGC, and includes an unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) division and a missiles division.
The IRGC Navy is equipped with Iranian UAVs and missiles and engages in asymmetrical warfare methods.
The IRGC Navy has a Naval Academy in which it provides training on firing anti-ship missiles and operating UAVs. Iranian-backed militias and proxies are trained at the Naval Academy.
The IRGC Navy is involved in facilitating the transport of Iranian arms, including Iranian UAVs and missiles. Those missiles and UAVs are deployed by armed groups like the Houthis and Hezbollah to undermine peace and security in the Middle East and Red Sea region.
Therefore, the IRGC Navy is involved in Iran’s UAV and missile programmes and involved in transferring Iran’s missiles to armed groups and entities undermining peace and security in the Middle East and the Red Sea region.


31.5.2024’.








ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dec/2024/1605/oj
ISSN 1977-0677 (electronic edition)