Flagship airline fought EU sanctions over alleged role in arms transfers to Russia
In October 2024, the European Union moved to sanction Iran Air, accusing the airline of playing a role in the transport of unmanned aerial vehicles and ballistic missiles from Iran to Russia. According to the EU Council, the airline was one of several entities âproviding support for, or otherwise involved in, Iranâs military programmeâ at a time when Tehran was supplying weapons for use in Russiaâs war in Ukraine. The measures, which froze assets and prohibited EU citizens and companies from dealing with the carrier, aligned Brussels more closely with U.S. sanctions that have long targeted Iran Air.
The airline responded by challenging the decision in the EU General Court, arguing that the sanctions were politically motivated and inflicted unjust harm on its operations and reputation. In December 2024, it filed for annulment of the measures, but its attempt to secure interim relief was dismissed by the judges in June 2025.