Iran summoned the Hungarian ambassador to Tehran on October 15 to protest against new European Union sanctions on Iranian individuals and entities, the Iranian foreign ministry announced.

Hungary currently holds the rotating presidency of the EU, and its ambassador was called in to represent the bloc. Despite the ongoing tensions within the EU, Hungary has been the face of negotiations between the Iranians and Brussels in recent months due to the rotating presidency. 

The summons followed the EU's announcement a day earlier of fresh sanctions targeting several Iranian persons and organisations, though details of those sanctioned were not immediately available.

During the meeting, Iran's deputy foreign minister expressed "strong protest" against the EU's decision, describing the sanctions as "illegal and coercive measures" that are "completely unacceptable and will lead nowhere," according to a ministry statement.

The Iranian official also defended Iran's military cooperation with other countries as "legal and aimed at protecting Iran's national interests and security," stating that third parties have no right to interfere in such matters.

Iran further criticised the EU's sanctions on Iranian passenger airlines, calling it a "clear violation of international law and human rights principles," which contradicts Europe's claims of supporting human rights.

The ministry warned EU member states against falling into "the trap of anti-Iranian circles, especially the Zionist apartheid regime," referring to Israel, urging them not to sacrifice their long-standing relations with Tehran for Tel Aviv.

The Hungarian ambassador said he would convey Iran's message to EU authorities, the statement added.

Key figures subjected to sanctions include Abdolrahim Mousavi, the Commander-in-Chief of the Islamic Republic of Iran Army, and Mohammad Kazemi, the Intelligence Chief of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). The UK has also targeted the Farzanegan Propulsion Systems Design Bureau, known for designing cruise missile components, as well as the Iranian Space Agency, which plays a significant role in ballistic missile development.

This diplomatic tension comes amid ongoing negotiations to revive the 2015 nuclear deal, as well as Iran’s increased actions against Israel. Analysts say this latest round of sanctions could further complicate efforts to improve relations between Iran and the West.