Britain and the European Union announced on October 14 that they are imposing new sanctions targeting senior Iranian military figures and organisations in response to Iran's missile attack on Israel earlier this month. 

Whitehall's decision aims to pressure Tehran to cease what the UK government describes as "dangerous and destabilising activity" in the Middle East in reference to its limited strikes on Israeli military targets earlier this month. Israel is expected to strike Iran. However, reports from Arab media suggest that if the targeting is limited, Iran would not respond with further escalation. 

The sanctions include asset freezes and travel bans directed at commanders in Iran's army and air force, as well as entities involved in missile development, according to a statement from the UK's Foreign Office.

"Following its ballistic missile attack on Israel, we are holding Iran accountable and exposing those who facilitated these acts," remarked Foreign Secretary David Lammy.

This announcement comes amid rising tensions in the region following Iran's unprecedented direct missile strike on Israel on October 1, which threatens to escalate the ongoing conflict beyond the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza.

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.

In a related development, the European Union also agreed on the same date to impose sanctions on seven individuals and seven organisations, including Iran Air, due to their involvement in transferring ballistic missiles to Russia. The EU sanctions also target Saha Airlines, Mahan Air, and Iran's Deputy Defence Minister, Seyed Hamzeh Ghalandari.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi reiterated Iran's stance on his X account a day earlier and accused the EU of acting under Israel's pressure.

"I clearly and again reiterate what I have said: we have not given ballistic missiles to Russia. If Europe needs an excuse to yield to Israel's blackmail, it should find another story," he said.

He also rebuked "some Europeans", which he said provided Israel with various advanced weapons and eagerly participated in military operations against Iran.

The EU had previously sanctioned Iran for supplying drones to Russia in October 2022. The restrictions were imposed on three individuals and one entity.

Last month, the United States alleged that Russia had received ballistic missiles from Iran for its ongoing conflict in Ukraine, citing intelligence shared with allies.