New Zealand has sanctioned eight Iranian individuals and entities for collaborating with Russia in its offensive against Ukraine

He New Zealand government announced on Wednesday the imposition of new sanctions against eight individuals and entities in Iran for supplying Russia with drones for “attack civilians and vital infrastructure” in Ukraine.

Among those sanctioned are the head of the Supply, Research and Industrial Affairs Division of the Iranian Ministry of Defense and Armed Forces Logistics, as well as the commander of the Iranian Air Force and companies responsible for manufacturing drones, according to a statement issued by New Zealand Foreign Minister Nanaia Mahuta.

“To put pressure on the Russian war machine, we have sanctioned these eight Iranian individuals and entities. They will have their assets frozen, travel banned and banned from doing business with anyone in New Zealand“said the head of New Zealand diplomacy.

In all, seven Iranians and five Iranian entities have been sanctioned by New Zealand since December passed for his collaboration with the Russian invasion of Ukraine, on February 24, 2022, according to the ministerial communiqué.

Also Wellington Executive extended the entry ban to the ocean country against various Iranian officials for the violent repression against civilians who took to the streets to peacefully protest against the death, last September, of the young Mahsa Aminithree days after his arrest for incorrect wearing of the Islamic headscarf.

“New Zealand remains shocked by Iranian authorities’ use of force in response to peaceful protests. In light of new developments, including the execution of death sentences, we have extended the list of prohibited persons to 37,” Mahuta said.

The minister explained that those banned include members of the Iranian judiciary who oversee executions in Iran, the the Morality Police, Security Force Command and members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

Last December, New Zealand had sanctioned 22 members of the Iranian security forces involved in the death of the 22-year-old girl and in response to the “brutal crackdown” on protesters.

On February 4, the United States Treasury Department pronounced sanctions against eight senior executives of an Iranian drone manufacturer as part of a new series of measures against Tehran for its support for Russia and its supply of unmanned aerial vehicles.

Similarly, the Treasury also targeted two ships. One of them, the Iris Makran a tanker that has been used for “naval operations” and has the ability to launch unmanned aerial vehicles.

Sanctions also include the frigate iris denawhich accompanies the latter on the “international journey” he is currently making.

“Iran provides unmanned aerial vehicles for Russia’s combat operations aimed at attacking critical infrastructure in Ukraine”, denounced the undersecretary of the Treasury in charge of terrorism and financial intelligence, denounced Brian Nelson.

The company to which the sanctioned belong, Paravar Pars Company, was already subject to sanctions by the United States and the European Union for manufacturing drones for the aerospace department of Iran’s Revolutionary Guards, according to a statement from the Treasury Department.

(With information from EFE and Reuters)

Continue reading: