German Foreign Minister Berbock threatened Iran and China with sanctions for cooperation with Russian Federation

The European Union (EU) may impose sanctions against China and Iran for military cooperation with Russia. This was announced by German Foreign Minister Annalena Berbock to journalists on November 18 in Brussels at the Council of Foreign and Defense Ministers of the EU.

The minister pointed out that the association suspects China of allegedly transferring drones to Russia.

"This must and will have consequences," Berbock said, her words quoted by the Bild publication.

The FRG foreign minister believes that the issue concerns the security of the EU. According to Berbock, Iran, in turn, must answer allegedly for Russia's supply of ballistic missiles. Bild adds that on this day the foreign ministers of the association should decide on a package of new restrictions against Iran.

Earlier in the day, the EU Council imposed sanctions against Russian shipping companies MG Flot, VTS Broker, Arapax and Iran's Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines (IRISL). In addition, IRISL director Mohammad Reza was also affected by the restrictions. The association explained that the restrictions were imposed ostensibly because of Tehran's support for Moscow 's special operation.

In September, the governments of France, Germany and Britain issued a joint statement in which they disclosed that they were imposing sanctions against Iran Air and tearing up air service agreements with the Islamic Republic because of Tehran's alleged transfer of ballistic missiles to Moscow. The document indicated that additional restrictions would be imposed against Iran if the arms transfers could be proven.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov denied the supply of missiles from Iran to Russia. He emphasized that the Russian army has its own necessary means to conduct a special operation.

The special operation to protect Donbass, the start of which was announced on February 24, 2022, continues. The decision was taken against the background of the aggravated situation in the region.