Iran Press/ Iran news: The controversy stems from allegations that Iran supplied ballistic missiles to Russia for use in the ongoing war in Ukraine, which Tehran vehemently denies.
The diplomats were called in separately on Thursday, following their respective governments' claims of Iranian missile transfers to Russia and subsequent sanctions imposed on the Islamic Republic. Majid Nili, the Director General of the Ministry’s Department for Western European Affairs, conveyed Iran’s strong objections during the meetings.
Nili criticized the statements and actions by the European governments as “destructive,” and accused them of continuing a “hostile policy” against the Iranian people. “Insistence on adopting such positions and measures is seen as part of the West’s broader agenda of hostility towards Iran,” he stated, warning that Iran would respond appropriately if the allegations persisted.
Iran, which officially advocates for a peaceful resolution to the war in Ukraine, has consistently denied any involvement in missile transfers to Russia. Nili reaffirmed this stance, dismissing the allegations as “totally unfounded and false.”
He further said Western countries have shown hypocrisy, highlighting their role in global arms sales. “The US and some of its European allies speak of peace and security, yet they are the very source of tension in the world, providing lethal weapons, including those supplied to the Zionist regime,” he remarked.
In response to the protests, the British, French, German, and Dutch diplomats promised to convey Iran’s concerns to their respective capitals.
This diplomatic flare-up follows new sanctions from the US Treasury Department, which on Tuesday targeted 20 Iranian individuals, entities, and vessels allegedly involved in missile transfers to Russia. In a coordinated move, Britain, France, and Germany have also announced plans to suspend bilateral air services with Iran and are exploring sanctions on Iran Air.
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