UK unveils new Iran sanctions over missile attack on Israel

Britain has imposed sanctions against senior Iranian military figures and organisations following the country’s October 1 attack on Israel . Members of the Islamic Republic of Iran Army, Iran’s air force and the IRGC Intelligence Organisation have been targeted with travel bans and asset freezes, the Foreign Office said.

Farzanegan Propulsion Systems Design Bureau (FPSDB), which designs and manufactures parts that can be used in cruise missiles, has also been designated as part of the package of measures. The Iranian Space Agency, which develops technologies that have applications in ballistic missile development, will be subject to an asset freeze.

Iran launched around 200 ballistic missiles towards Israel on October 1. Most were intercepted but a number hit central and southern Israel, the country’s military said. Foreign Secretary David Lammy vowed the UK would ‘continue to take necessary measures to challenge Iran’s unacceptable threats and press for de-escalation across the region’.

The Foreign Office said the individuals sanctioned on Monday are: Abdolrahim Mousavi, commander-in chief of the Islamic Republic of Iran Army and a member of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council. Mohammad-Hossein Dadras, deputy commander-in-chief of the Islamic Republic of Iran Army. Hamid Vahedi, commander of the Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force.

Mohammad Kazemi, Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) intelligence chief. Habibollah Sayyari, head of the joint staff of the Iranian Army and deputy chief for co-ordination of the Iranian Army. Ali-Mohammad Naini, IRGC spokesperson.

Houssein Pourfarzaneh, chief engineer of Farzanegan Propulsion Systems Design Bureau (FPSDB). The UK has imposed more than 400 sanctions on Iran, including designations against the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) in its entirety. 

Monday’s package of measures comes amid rapidly spiralling conflict in the Middle East, with a drone strike by Hezbollah killing four Israeli soldiers at the weekend and Israel firing on UN peacekeeping posts in southern Lebanon.

Meanwhile, Palestinian medics said an Israeli air strike on a hospital courtyard in the Gaza Strip has killed at least four people and left more than two dozen others with severe burns. Mr Lammy said: ‘Following its ballistic missile attack on Israel, we are holding Iran to account and exposing those who facilitated these acts.

‘Alongside allies and partners, we will continue to take necessary measures to challenge Iran’s unacceptable threats and press for de-escalation across the region.’

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