UK announced the termination of “all direct air services between the UK and Iran,” a measure part of new sanctions against Tehran for its missile supplies to Russia for use in Ukraine.
In coordination with global allies, London is cancelling its bilateral air service agreements with Iran, limiting Iran Air’s operations in the UK. Iran Air currently schedules flights between London and Tehran thrice weekly.
This UK initiative aligns with broader Western sanctions imposed on Iran for providing Russia with short-range missiles, heightening the conflict’s stakes and endangering European security.
Following these sanctions, London’s foreign ministry highlighted that the decision came after multiple warnings to Tehran against transferring lethal arms to Russia. “We will relentlessly press Iran to cease backing Putin’s unlawful invasion,” stated UK Transport Secretary Louise Haigh. “This is why we decided to halt all direct flights between the UK and Iran.”
Furthermore, the UK is aligning with the US to sanction several key figures and entities aiding Iran’s military support to Russia, including those in the ballistic missile and drone sectors.
Additional sanctions target Russian entities planning to utilize these weapon systems against Ukraine and five Russian cargo ships that transported military gear from Iran to Russia.