The European Union has proposed banning the export of additional drone and missile technologies to Iran following the lethal crackdown on protesters, EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced on Tuesday.
“Europe stands in full solidarity with the brave women and men of Iran, who risk their lives seeking freedom for themselves and future generations,” von der Leyen wrote on X. She added: “Today, we propose the suspension of further exports of critical technologies for drones and missiles.”
Von der Leyen also stated that the EU is preparing additional sanctions against those responsible for the “ongoing and brutal repression” of protests that have shaken the Islamic Republic.
The recent multi-week protests represent the most significant challenge faced by Iran’s leadership in recent years. Due to a near-total blackout on internet and communications, the full extent of the crackdown has only emerged gradually.
Despite limited access to information, the NGO Iran Human Rights has verified that 3,428 protesters have been killed by security forces. Local media and observers report that authorities continue to make arrests even under international pressure.
The EU has already sanctioned hundreds of Iranian officials for repressing previous protest movements and supporting Russia’s war in Ukraine. It has also blocked the export to Iran of various components that could be used to produce drones and missiles domestically.
