Council Decision (CFSP) 2024/2698 of 14 October 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: 2024-10-14
Institutions: Council of the European Union
Subjects: EU restrictive measure, Iran, Russia, Russo-Ukrainian issue, Ukraine, economic sanctions, international sanctions, legal person, military intervention, natural person








L_202402698EN.000101.fmx.xml












Official Journal of the European Union


EN
L series













2024/2698


14.10.2024







            COUNCIL DECISION (CFSP) 2024/2698
         
of 14 October 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 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 (1).












(2)


In its conclusions of 21 and 22 March 2024, the European Council stated that, were Iran to transfer ballistic missiles and related technology to Russia for use against Ukraine after having supplied the Russian regime with unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), which are used in relentless attacks against the civilian population in Ukraine, the Union would be prepared to respond swiftly and in coordination with international partners, including with new and significant restrictive measures against Iran. Moreover, 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 and the Commission to prepare further sanctions against Belarus, North Korea and Iran.












(3)


On 13 September 2024, in the statement by the High Representative on behalf of the Union, the Union strongly condemned the recent transfer of Iranian-made ballistic missiles to Russia. The High Representative stated that that transfer was a direct threat to European security and represented a substantive material escalation from the provision of Iranian UAVs and ammunition, which Russia had used in its illegal war of aggression against Ukraine. The High Representative further stated that the Union would respond swiftly and in coordination with international partners, including with new and significant restrictive measures against Iran, including the designation of individuals and entities involved with Iran's ballistic missile and drone programmes, and in this regard was considering restrictive measures in Iran’s aviation sector as well.












(4)


Russia is using Iranian-made 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 Charter of the United Nations and of fundamental principles of international law.












(5)


The Iranian missile programme, which is based on state-owned as well as private companies and benefits from domestic research capabilities, is run by the Ministry of Defence and Armed Forces Logistics of Iran and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, both of which are sanctioned by the Union.












(6)


The transfer of Iranian-made UAVs and missiles and related technologies and components thereof to Russia and non-state armed groups in the Middle East and beyond is a central issue of concern. Iran has transferred Iranian-made UAVs and missiles and related technologies and components thereof to Russia, including by using airlines.












(7)


Therefore, it is appropriate to designate three Iranian airlines which have repeatedly transferred to Russia Iranian-made UAVs and related technologies, which have been used in Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. Those designations are targeted and seek to deter specific Iranian policies and activities. The Union does not intend to impede air traffic or people-to-people contacts between the Union and Iran in general.












(8)


In view of the gravity of the situation, seven persons and seven 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.












(9)


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





HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:



Article 1
The Annex to Decision (CFSP) 2023/1532 is amended in accordance with 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 Luxembourg, 14 October 2024.


For the Council


The President

J. BORRELL FONTELLES
            





(1)  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 (OJ L 186, 25.7.2023, p. 20).




ANNEX
The Annex to Decision (CFSP) 2023/1532 is amended as follows:






(1)


the following entries are added under the heading ‘A. Natural persons’:










 


Names (Transliteration into Latin script)


Names


Identifying information


Reasons for listing


Date of listing




‘13.


Behnam SHAHRIYARI


بهنام شهریاری
(Farsi spelling)


Position(s): official in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Quds Force Unit 190
DOB: 1968
Nationality: Iranian
Gender: male
Passport number: D10007350; K47248790


Behnam Shahriyari is a prominent official of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Quds Force Unit 190, involved in the logistical aspects of transferring weapons, including rockets and missiles, to Iranian-aligned armed groups in Syria, Lebanon, Iraq and the Occupied Palestinian Territories.
Behnam Shahriyari is therefore involved in the transfer of missiles to armed groups and entities undermining peace and security in the Middle East and the Red Sea region.


14.10.2024




14.


Ali SHADMANI


علی شادمانی
(Farsi spelling)


Position(s): deputy coordinator of Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters (KCHG)
POB: Hamedan, Iran
Nationality: Iranian
Gender: male
Associated entities: Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters (KCHG)


Ali Shadmani is the deputy coordinator of the EU-listed Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters (KCHG) and thus associated with an EU-listed entity.
The KCHG is the central entity in the command chain of Iran’s armed forces, making operational military decisions and coordinating between Iran’s conventional army (Artesh) and the 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 those in the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, which report to the main headquarters. It is also responsible for planning and coordinating joint military operations, including drills. 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, the KCHG is at the core of Iran’s military forces and is involved in the development of Iran’s UAV programme.
As deputy coordinator of the KCHG, Shadmani has been actively promoting Iran’s defence capabilities, including drones and missiles, on multiple occasions, including in Russia, in recent years.
Therefore, Ali Shadmani is associated with an EU-listed entity involved in Iran’s UAV and missile programme and is involved in transferring UAVs to Russia in support of its war of aggression against Ukraine.


14.10.2024




15.


Ali JAFARABADI


علی جعفرآبادی
(Farsi spelling)


Position(s): commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Aerospace Force Space Division
DOB: 1975
POB: Iran
Nationality: Iranian
Gender: male


Ali Jafarabadi is the commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Aerospace Force Space Division.
The IRGC Aerospace Force Space Division has operational control over several Iranian missile systems and is involved in the development and future launch of satellite carriers, which are essential for the development of long-range ballistic missile systems, which Iran continues to develop.
Therefore, Ali Jafarabadi is involved in the development of the Iranian missile programme.


14.10.2024




16.


Mehdi GOGERDCHIAN


مهدی گوگردچیان
(Farsi spelling)


Position(s): managing director of Iran Aircraft Manufacturing Industries (HESA)
DOB: 14.8.1975
POB: Iran
Nationality: Iranian
Gender: male
Passport number: 1286966558 (Iran)


Mehdi Gogerdchian is the managing director of EU-listed Iran Aircraft Manufacturing Industries (HESA). The company is controlled by the EU-listed Iran Aviation Industries Organization (IAIO), a subsidiary of the EU-listed Iranian Ministry of Defence and Armed Forces Logistics (MODAFL), which is responsible for planning and managing Iran’s military aviation industry.
HESA specialises in the development and manufacturing of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), especially Shahed drones, which are being used by Russia in its war against Ukraine.
Mehdi Gogerdchian is therefore involved in Iran’s UAV programme.


14.10.2024




17.


Seyed Hamzeh GHALANDARI


سید حمزه قلندری
(Farsi spelling)


Position(s): deputy defence minister of Iran
DOB: 16.7.1984
Nationality: Iranian
Gender: male
Passport number: D10009455 (Iran)


Seyed Hamzeh Ghalandari is the deputy defence minister of Iran, with a focus on international affairs within the ministry.
The EU-listed Iranian Ministry of Defence and Armed Forces Logistics (MODAFL) is responsible for the Iranian arms industry, including unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and ballistic missiles.
In light of his high-level role as deputy defence minister, Seyed Hamzeh Ghalandari is involved in the development of Iran’s UAV and missile programmes.


14.10.2024




18.


Reza Khosravi MOGHADDAM


رضا خسروي مقدم
(Farsi spelling)


Position(s): Iranian military attaché in Russia
Nationality: Iranian
Gender: male


Reza Khosravi Moghaddam is the military attaché of the Iranian embassy in Russia, representing and promoting his country’s defence industry. He is responsible for bilateral relations in this field.
In his function, Moghaddam is a forward element of the Iranian EU-listed Ministry of Defence and Armed Forces Logistics (MODAFL). MODAFL is responsible for the Iranian arms industry, including the development and production of military weapons, such as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and ballistic missiles.
In his role, Moghaddam actively promotes the defence industry of Iran, and in particular the arms trade between Iran and Russia , thereby promoting Iran’s UAV and missile programmes.
Iran has been supplying Russia with UAVs and ballistic missiles that are being deployed by Russia against Ukraine.
Therefore, Reza Khosravi Moghaddam is involved in Iran’s UAV and missile programme.


14.10.2024




19.


Seid Mir Ahmad NOOSHIN


سید میراحمد نوشین
(Farsi spelling)


Position(s): director of the Aerospace Industries Organisation (AIO)
DOB: 11.1.1966
Nationality: Iranian
Gender: male
Passport number: G9311208


Seid Mir Ahmad Nooshin is the director of EU-listed Aerospace Industries Organisation (AIO). The AIO is an organisation which reports to the EU-listed Iranian Ministry of Defence and Armed Forces Logistics (MODAFL) and plays a key role in Iran’s unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) and ballistic missile programmes. The AIO oversees Iran’s production of missiles, including by EU-listed entities Shahid Hemmat Industries Group (SHIG) and Shahid Baheri Industrial Group (SBIG).
Seid Mir Ahmad Nooshin is therefore involved in Iran’s missile programme.


14.10.2024’.














(2)


the following entries are added under the heading ‘B. Legal persons, entities and bodies’:










 


Names (Transliteration into Latin script)


Names


Identifying information


Reasons for listing


Date of listing




‘10.


Saha Airlines


هواپیمایی ساها
(Farsi spelling)


Address: Ayat Saeedi St., 65 meters from Fatah, Tehran, Iran
Type of entity: government entity
Place of registration: Tehran, Iran


Saha Airlines is an Iranian state airline, wholly owned by the Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force. It has been used repeatedly to transfer Iranian-made unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and related technologies to Russia, which have been used in Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine.
Saha Airlines is therefore involved in transferring Iranian-made UAVs and related technologies to Russia in support of its war of aggression against Ukraine.


14.10.2024




11.


Mahan Air


ماهان ایر
(Farsi spelling)


Address: No 21 Mahan Air Tower – Azadegan Street, Karaj Highway, Tehran, Iran
Post box 1481655761
Place of registration: Tehran, Iran


Mahan Air is a private Iranian airline based in Tehran.
It has been used repeatedly to transfer Iranian-made unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and related technologies to Russia, which have been used in Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine.
Mahan Air is therefore involved in transferring Iranian-made UAVs and related technologies to Russia in support of its war of aggression against Ukraine.


14.10.2024




12.


Iran Air
(a.k.a. the Airline of the Islamic Republic of Iran; Homa; Iran Air Cargo; Iran Air Ground Services; Iran Air Catering)


ایران ایر
(Farsi spelling)


Address: Central Offices, Airport Boulevard, Tehran, Iran
Type of entity: government entity
Place of registration: Tehran, Iran


Iran Air is an Iranian state airline controlled by Iran’s Ministry of Infrastructure, and therefore subordinate to the country’s military-political leadership.
It has been used repeatedly to transfer Iranian-made unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and related technologies to Russia, which have been used in Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine.
Iran Air is therefore involved in transferring Iranian-made UAVs and related technologies to Russia in support of its war of aggression against Ukraine.


14.10.2024




13.


Basamad Electronic Pouya Engineering Co.
(a.k.a. Dynamic Electronic Frequency Engineering Limited Liability Company)


بسامد الکترونیک پویا
(Farsi spelling)


Address: No. 63 Unit 4, Shahrara, Patrice Lumumba St. Abshori St., Tehran, 144593491, Iran
Type of entity: limited liability company
Registration number: 466887
National ID number: 14004684489
Associated individuals: Hossein Hatefi Ardakani (CEO)
Associated entities: Kavan Electronics Behrad LLC


Basamad Electronic Pouya Engineering Co. is an Iranian procurement firm. It is part of a procurement network overseen by EU-listed Hossein Hatefi Ardakani, Basamad Electronic Pouya Engineering Co.’s CEO and largest shareholder.
Hossein Hatefi Ardakani is an Iranian businessman who is involved, through the procurement network he oversees, in the supply of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) items to the EU-listed Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Research and Self-Sufficiency Jihad Organization (IRGC SSJO), which are then supplied to Russia to support Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine.
Basamad Electronic Pouya Engineering Co. is therefore associated with a natural person involved in Iran’s UAV programme and in transferring Iranian-made UAVs to Russia in support of its war of aggression against Ukraine.


14.10.2024




14.


Iran Alumina Company (IAC)
(a.k.a. I.A.C.; Iran Alumina Co.)


آلومینای ایران شرکت
(Farsi spelling)


Address 1: 100, Somayyeh St., Tehran, Iran (head office)
Address 2: Kilometer 7 turnpike Sankhast, Jajarm, North Khorasan, Iran (factory)
Principal place of business: Khorasan province, Iran


Iran Alumina Company (IAC) is Iran’s sole producer of aluminium oxide (Al2O3) or alumina powder, which is used in the fabrication of solid fuel propellant used to launch rockets and missiles. The facility operates on behalf of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) in producing missile fuel from metal powder. IAC is a subsidiary of the state-owned mines and metal holding company Iranian Mines and Mining Industries Development and Renovation Organisation (IMIDRO), which is controlled by the Iranian Ministry of Industries and Mines.
Therefore, Iran Alumina Company (IAC) is involved in Iran’s missile programme.


14.10.2024




15.


Shahid Haj Ali Movahed Research Center
(a.k.a. Shahid Movahed Industry; Shahid Mohaved Industries; SHIG Department 7500)


مرکز تحقیقات شهید حاج علی
موحد
(Farsi spelling)


Address: c/o SHIG, Damavand Tehran Highway, PO Box 16595-159, Tehran, Iran
Principal place of business: Tehran Province, Iran


Shahid Haj Ali Movahed Research Center is a subsidiary of the EU-listed Shahid Hemmat Industries Group (SHIG), an industrial group subordinate to the state-controlled EU-listed Aerospace Industries Organisation (AIO), which supports Iran’s liquid-propellant ballistic missile programme.
The Center has been involved in the research, testing and manufacture of Iranian missiles. The Center is directly involved in missile development, including in the context of cooperation between Iran and the DPRK, from which it received specialist support for the development of long-range missiles.
Therefore, Shahid Haj Ali Movahed Research Center is involved in Iran’s missile programme.


14.10.2024




16.


Teyf Tadbir Engineering Company
(a.k.a. Teyf Tadbir Arya Engineering Company; Teif Tadbir Arya; Teyf Tadbir Aria)


شرکت مهندسی تیف تدبیر
(Farsi spelling)


Address: Unit 10, No. 1, End of Bahar, Kardan Street, Patrice Street, Tehran 144596443, Iran
Registration number: 427320 (Iran)
Associated individuals: Hossein Hatefi Ardakani (CEO)
Associated entities: Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Research and Self-Sufficiency Jihad Organization (IRGC SSJO)


Teyf Tadbir Engineering Company is an Iranian procurement firm. Its CEO is EU-listed Hossein Hatefi Ardakani, an Iranian businessman who oversees a transnational procurement network for unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) components. He operates through his Tehran-based firms, including Teyf Tadbir Engineering Company and the EU-listed Kavan Electronics LLC.
Through his procurement network, Hossein Hatefi Ardakani is involved in the supply of UAV items to the EU-listed Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Research and Self-Sufficiency Jihad Organization (IRGC SSJO). These items are used in Iran’s Shahed-series UAVs, which Iran supplies to Russia to support Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine.
Teyf Tadbir Engineering Company is therefore associated with natural and legal persons and entities involved in Iranian-made UAV programme and also involved in transferring Iran’s UAVs to Russia in support of its war of aggression against Ukraine.


14.10.2024’.











ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dec/2024/2698/oj
ISSN 1977-0677 (electronic edition)