EU bans drone parts export to Iran for Russia, Syria regime support

The European Union has banned the export of parts used in the manufacture of drones to Iran because of Tehran’s military support of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the Syrian regime.

The move was part of a "new framework for restrictive measures" established "in view of Iran's military support of Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine", read a statement from the Council of the European Union released Thursday.

"This new regime prohibits the export from the European Union to Iran of components used in the construction and production of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs)," according to the statement.

"The Council also decided to list six Iranian individuals under two already existing sanctions regimes for Iran's military support to Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine (drones) and to the Syrian regime (air defence systems)."

Iran has long been developing and growing its drone manufacturing industry. Iranian officials claim that dozens of countries have approached Tehran about acquiring its drone technology with Russia reportedly using them to deadly effect in Ukraine.

Russia has denied using Iranian drones in Ukraine.

The EU has been vocal in its support for Ukraine, and has heavily sanctioned Russia since the invasion.

"Today’s decisions show the EU’s resolve to continue responding swiftly and decisively to Iran’s actions," the Council said in its statement.

"The European Union condemns the delivery of Iranian drones to Russia and their deadly deployment in the war of aggression against Ukraine."

Iran and Russia are the main backers of Bashar al-Assad’s rule in Syria.

Russia militarily intervened in Syria's civil war in 2015, frequently conducting devastating airstrikes on opposition-held areas. Iran has sent paramilitary forces in to Syria and funded militias to support the regime.