Iran Criticizes EU Sanctions Following Attack on Israel, Calls for Sanctions on Israel Instead

Iran's Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian has criticized the European Union's decision to impose sanctions on Iran following its attack against Israel, which Iran claimed was an act of self-defense. Amirabdollahian described the EU sanctions as "regrettable" and called for the EU to apply sanctions on Israel instead.

The EU foreign ministers had agreed in principle to expand sanctions on Iran by extending restrictive measures on Tehran's weapons exports to Iranian proxies and Russia. The sanctions are expected to target Iran's drone-makers and the transfer of weapons to Iranian proxies like Hezbollah. However, the impact of the new measures is likely to be limited given the existing sanctions on Iran's nuclear program, crackdowns on protesters, and weapons aid to Russia.

Amirabdollahian argued that Iran was exercising its right to self-defense in response to what he called "Israel's reckless aggression." Iran's attack on Israel's consulate in Damascus, which killed seven Iranian military advisors and two senior commanders, was in retaliation for Israel's bombing of the Iranian consulate in Damascus, which Iran said violated the 1961 Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.

Iran's ambassador to the UN reiterated that Iran's retaliation targeted only military sites and was in line with its inherent right to self-defense under Article 51 of the UN Charter. He called on the UN Security Council to condemn Israel's actions and bring the perpetrators to justice. UN experts stated that Israel's attack on the Iranian consulate violated the prohibition on the use of armed force against another state under Article 2(4) of the UN Charter.

Why this matters: The escalating tensions between Iran and Israel, as well as the EU's response with sanctions, have broader implications for stability in the Middle East region. The situation also highlights the complex geopolitical dynamics and competing interests among major powers involved in the region.

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei praised the military operation against Israel, saying it demonstrated Iran's willpower. Meanwhile, the Iranian Revolutionary Guards announced the creation of a new enforcement body to uphold the country's strict dress code for women, as the government continues its crackdown on protesters and dissent.

Key Takeaways

• Iran criticizes EU sanctions over attack on Israel, calls for sanctions on Israel instead.
• EU agrees to expand sanctions on Iran for missile attacks and weapons exports to proxies.
• Iran claims attack on Israel was self-defense, UN experts say Israel's attack on Iran violated UN Charter.
• Tensions between Iran and Israel have broader implications for Middle East stability.
• Iran's Supreme Leader praises military operation, as government cracks down on protesters.