Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned the British chargé d'affaires on Tuesday night to protest sanctions imposed by the United Kingdom on its shipping company, the Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines (IRISL). 

The move followed coordinated sanctions announced on Monday by the European Union and the UK. The measures targeted IRISL, Iran Air, and other entities and individuals accused of supplying ballistic missiles to Russia. The sanctions include asset freezes and restrictions, which Iran has denounced as baseless. 

During the meeting, Iranian officials condemned the sanctions, describing them as “irrational behavior” and vowed to respond appropriately. A foreign ministry spokesperson emphasized that Iran’s defense and security cooperation with other nations is legitimate and lawful, asserting that it does not target any third party. 

The Iranian official conveyed that such actions by the UK contravene international law and undermine the principles of free navigation and maritime trade. 

"The illegal interference of certain European countries, including the UK, in Iran's defense collaborations with other nations is unacceptable," the foreign ministry said in a statement following the meeting. 

The latest sanctions are part of ongoing Western measures aimed at curbing Iran’s alleged support for Russia in its conflict with Ukraine. Iran, however, has repeatedly rejected these accusations, maintaining that its defense agreements adhere to international norms. (ILKHA)