On Monday, the European Union imposed sanctions on three Russian shipping companies and several Iranian ports and carriers, accusing them of helping Tehran supply drones and missiles to Moscow for its ongoing war in Ukraine.

The sanctions specifically target vessels operated by VTS Broker and Arapax, both based in Russia’s Astrakhan region, as well as MG Flot from Dagestan. These companies are said to have been transporting Iranian military supplies, including drone parts, across the Caspian Sea.

The EU also banned transactions with ports that are “owned, operated, or controlled” by sanctioned individuals and entities, with particular focus on the Iranian ports of Amirabad and Anzali on the Caspian Sea. However, exceptions may be made for ships that need assistance, such as in cases of maritime safety concerns.

Along with these measures, the EU expanded its sanctions to include IRISL, Iran’s state-run shipping company, and its director, Mohammad Reza Khiabani. This move builds on previous sanctions aimed at Iranian entities accused of supporting Russia’s military efforts.

Back in September, the EU, joined by the U.S., accused Iran of providing short-range ballistic missiles to Russia for use in the war against Ukraine, though Iran denies the allegations.

In response, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi criticized the EU’s actions on Sunday, calling them unjustified and based on a “non-existent missile pretext.” He warned that such measures could have unintended consequences, arguing that “freedom of navigation is a fundamental principle of maritime law” and accusing the EU of selective enforcement.

On Monday, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said Tehran would decide how to respond to the EU’s expanded sanctions in due course.