Britain has tightened restrictions on Iran Air, imposing an asset freeze on the airline, further restricting its ability to operate direct, scheduled commercial flights to and from the UK. The move follows financial sanctions imposed earlier this year in response to Iran’s alleged transfer of ballistic missiles to Russia.
The UK government announced the measures on November 18, 2024, citing Iran Air’s state-owned status. The sanctions align with commitments made by the E3, which is made up of Britain, France, and Germany, in September.
"Iran’s national airline, Iran Air, is today subject to an asset freeze which will further restrict its direct, scheduled commercial air services to and from the UK," the government said in a statement.
The UK had already cancelled bilateral air service arrangements with Iran in September, limiting the airline’s operations.
The announcement comes as Prime Minister Keir Starmer prepares to mark 1,000 days since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine at the G20 summit, and Foreign Secretary David Lammy prepares to chair discussions at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) in New York.
"We were clear that any transfer of ballistic missiles from Iran to Russia would face a significant response," said Lammy. “That’s why today we are sanctioning Iran Air, in response to Iran’s deliveries of ballistic missiles to Russia.”
The sanctions also extend to Iranian state-owned shipping carrier, the Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines (IRISL), and a Russian cargo vessel, PORT OLYA-3.
To date, Britain has sanctioned over 450 Iranian individuals and entities, targeting those accused of fostering regional instability and malign international influence. The government said the latest measures underscore its commitment to curbing Iran’s military support for Russia amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.