The European Union extended sanctions imposed on the Iranian regime for another year due to Tehran's military support for Russia in the war against Ukraine and the armed Houthi group in Yemen. These sanctions were applied to 9 institutions and 12 officials in Iran.

In reference to the military actions carried out by Tehran in the region and the world, on Monday, July 15, the Council of the European Union extended its sanctions against Iran for another year.

The Council said in a statement: “The Council today extended the restrictive measures until July 27, 2025, given Iran’s military support for the aggressive war waged by Russia against Ukraine, and armed groups and entities in the Middle East and the Red Sea region.”

Sanctioned individuals and entities are subject to a freeze on their potential assets in the European Union.

In addition, a travel ban to the European Union applies to these persons.

Kiev and other Western capitals have repeatedly stated that Tehran is supplying Russia with weapons - including drones - that are used in Russia's war against Ukraine.

Three months ago, the Council of Europe asked third parties, including the Iranian regime, to immediately stop their material support for Russia.

Iran denies the existence of such support.

After this warning, the European Union Council confirmed its commitment to impose further sanctions on Iran, especially with regard to drones and missiles.

Two months ago, the European Council expanded the scope of EU sanctions to include drones and missiles, as well as Iran's support for armed groups in the Middle East and the Red Sea region.

It is noteworthy that since last November, and in the wake of the war in Gaza following the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, the armed Shiite Houthi group in Yemen, which is supported by Iran, began its attacks on commercial ships in the area. The Red Sea, which affected global shipping.

Two maritime agencies reported, on Monday, July 15, that a commercial ship was attacked by three boats off the Yemeni coast, without causing injuries or damage.

The British Maritime Operations Agency, run by the British Navy, said the attack occurred southwest of the coastal city of Hodeidah.

This port is under the control of the Houthis in Yemen.

According to this agency, this operation was carried out by 3 boats, two of which were carrying 6 passengers. While the third boat is controlled remotely.

According to this report, the small piloted boat collided with the ship twice, and two other boats opened fire on the ship.

The agency added that the small boat stopped its attack after 15 minutes.

In a separate statement, the British Merchant Marine Operations Agency said that the ship itself reported that 3 missiles had exploded near it but did not hit it.

The "Embry" maritime security company also announced the attack, saying that the ship had a private armed security team.

Embry and the British Maritime Trade Operations Agency did not identify the perpetrators of the attack, but Embry said that the attack was similar to previous incidents for which the Houthis claimed responsibility.

After the Hamas attack on Israel, Iran intensified its efforts and activities against the interests of America and Israel.

Tehran has deployed armed groups in areas of the Middle East, and supports them by providing weapons and training.