The New Zealand Government announced new sanctions against Iran over supplying weapons technology to Russia amid its deadly war on Ukraine, APA reports citing NZHerald.

The sanctions are also part of a broader response to Iran’s human rights violations amid a violent crackdown on protests there, including travel bans and actions through multilateral forums like the United Nations.

Foreign Affairs Minister Nanaia Mahuta said the sanctions were imposed on Iran for its supply of weapons technology to Russia causing death and injury to Ukrainian civilians.

They would apply to three Iranian individuals and one entity involved in the manufacture and supply of drones to Russia.

The sanctions were applied under the Russia Sanctions Act, alongside others already imposed on Russia and Belarus.

“Russia is using drones to target civilian populations in Ukraine, as well as vital infrastructure such as electricity generation and the power grid,” said Mahuta.

“The Ukrainian population is struggling with shortages of electricity, heating and water during a harsh winter.

“The Iranian actions threaten the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine. The attacks on civilians in Ukraine are condemned.”

Those sanctioned include two Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps commanders Saeed Aghajani and Amir Ali Hajizadeh, Armed Forces General Staff chair Mohammad Hossein Bagheri and drone manufacturer Shahed Aviation Industries.

“The sanctions mean those named are subject to asset freezes, travel bans, and restrictions on commercial activity with anyone in New Zealand.”

The sanctions follow travel bans, announced on Monday on 22 Iranian security officials and the regime’s morality police in response to the death of Mahsa Amini and Iran’s violent response to the protests over it.

Source: Azeri-Press News Agency