Brussels, October 13, 2024 – The International Committee in Search of Justice (ISJ), representing over 4,000 cross-party parliamentarians from both sides of the Atlantic, has called upon the European Union to impose sanctions on Iran Air during its upcoming meeting on October 14, 2024. This request follows alarming evidence revealing Iran Air’s involvement in illicit activities that support terrorism.
In a letter addressed to Dr. Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, Mr. Charles Michel, President of the European Council, and Mr. Josep Borrell, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, ISJ President highlighted the critical need for these sanctions. According to reports, Iran Air has been used to transfer Hezbollah personnel between Iran and Beirut and smuggle military equipment, including anti-aircraft missiles, via Beirut Airport’s runway 17, which is purportedly controlled by Hezbollah.
“This abuse of civil aviation for military purposes by the Islamic Republic of Iran violates international norms and represents a serious threat to global security,” the letter states.
In addition to facilitating terrorist operations, Iran Air has allegedly transported dual-use goods from Europe to Iran, bypassing security protocols. This illegal practice undermines European sanctions and poses direct threats to international safety and security.
The ISJ emphasized that sanctioning Iran Air would significantly hinder the Iranian regime’s ability to continue its support for terrorist activities. The United States has already taken similar actions, and the ISJ encourages the European Union to adopt a unified approach. Furthermore, the ISJ urges the EU to extend sanctions to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), given its destabilizing actions and direct support of terrorism across the Middle East.
The letter concludes with a firm appeal for decisive action: “I trust that the European Union will proceed with the necessary measures to sanction Iran Air, reinforcing our commitment to international security and the rule of law. These sanctions would send a powerful message that the international community will not tolerate the use of national carriers in support of terrorism.”
The ISJ looks forward to the results of the upcoming EU discussions and remains confident that the European Union will take swift and necessary measures to protect international security and uphold its values.
