Iran summons leaders of four European embassies, reports news agency

DUBAI (Reuters) – Iran’s foreign ministry summoned the ambassadors of the UK, France, Germany, and the Netherlands on Thursday, following allegations of missile transfers to Russia and the announcement of new sanctions.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken indicated on Tuesday that Russia had obtained ballistic missiles from Iran, which could be deployed in its conflict in Ukraine within weeks.

In response, the U.S., alongside the UK, Germany, and France, introduced fresh sanctions against Iran, including measures targeting Iran Air, its national airline.

The Kremlin dismissed Blinken’s claims as unfounded. Iran characterized the allegations of missile transfers to Russia as “false and misleading” and condemned the new sanctions, which also entail the cancellation of bilateral air service agreements with the three European nations.

Mizan reported that the Iranian foreign ministry summoned the ambassadors of the aforementioned European countries in response to what it described as ongoing non-constructive statements regarding Iran’s involvement in the Ukraine conflict and the imposition of sanctions.

Additionally, Iran’s most senior diplomat in London was called in by the British foreign ministry, while the Dutch foreign ministry summoned Iran’s ambassador, urging for “new, robust EU sanctions” against Tehran.