Janice R. Andrews
German Member of European Parliament (MEP) Hannah Neumann, who heads the EU’s Delegation for Relations with Iran, has announced plans to restrict IranAir’s aviation capabilities through new sanctions. The proposal aims to limit the airline’s access to aircraft maintenance services and new plane acquisitions.
According to Neumann, European intelligence agencies have evidence that IranAir has been transporting military equipment to various conflict zones, including Yemen, Syria, and Russia, with the latter allegedly supporting operations against Ukraine.
The MEP has criticized current EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell’s approach to Iran as too lenient. She strongly advocates for classifying Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization, following Lithuania’s example. However, achieving unanimous support among EU member states remains challenging.
Beyond sanctions, Neumann emphasizes the importance of engaging with Iranian citizens who seek reform. She has particularly condemned Iran’s stricter hijab enforcement laws, viewing them as tools of oppression rather than cultural preservation.
The proposed sanctions against IranAir could impact Iranian civilians’ travel capabilities, but Neumann argues these measures are necessary to counter the regime’s actions. She also supports Iranian journalists facing persecution, specifically mentioning Elaheh Mohammadi and Niloofar Hamedi, who were imprisoned for covering Jina Mahsa Amini’s death.
Neumann expresses optimism about potential policy changes under Kaja Kallas, Borrell’s expected successor, while acknowledging the need to balance attention between Middle Eastern issues and the ongoing Ukraine conflict. The MEP’s approach signals a potentially tougher stance in EU-Iran relations, focusing on increased accountability and support for human rights.
