The Australian government has imposed sanctions on senior Iran officials amid the conflict in the Middle East pointing to its “destabilising behaviour.”
In total, the federal government has now sanctioned 90 individuals and 100 entities with links to Iran.
The sanctioned individuals include Iran Defence Minister Mohammad Reza Ashtiani, and Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Qods Force commander, Brigadier General Esmail Qaani.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy, who seized an Israeli-linked, Portuguese-flagged civilian vessel in international waters on April 13 has also been criticised.
“Australia continues to call for the immediate release of the ship and its crew,” Ms. Wong added.
The foreign minister said Australia would continue to “deliberately and strategically” apply pressure to Iran to cease its “disruptive activities.”
“Those sanctioned also include Iranian senior officials, businesspeople, and companies that have contributed to the development of Iran’s missile and Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) programs,” Ms. Wong said.
“Iran’s proliferation and provision of these technologies to its proxies has fostered instability across the region for many years.”
In April, the United states and allies imposed sanctions on Iran following the unprecedented air attack against Israel.
The sanctions were targeted at Tehran’s missile and drone program, and entities supporting the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and Iran’s Defense Ministry.
Countries Not Onboard With Iran Sanctions
On April 25, the U.S. Department of Treasury sanctioned one dozen entities, individuals and vessels that have financed and facilitated the sale of Iranian UAVs to Iran’s Ministry of Defence and Armed Forces Logistics.The U.S. government said thousands of UAVs have been transferred to Russia for use in the war against Ukraine.
In response, Malaysia revealed it would not recognise sanctions imposed by the United States or other countries, amid claims Iran is relying on Malaysia to sell U.S. sanctioned oil.
Following a meeting with the U.S. Treasury, Malaysian Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail advised he would only recognise sanctions imposed by the United Nations.
Labor Government Backs Palestinian UN Membership
Australia’s Shadow Foreign Minister Simon Birmingham has raised concerns that Australia’s decision to support a U.N. resolution supporting Palestinian membership would be welcomed by Iran.“Because it’s an isolation of Israel. It is putting Israel back in a harder, more difficult position.”
However, the vote does not provide Palestinian with U.N. membership because that would require the support of the 15-member U.N. Security Council.
Foreign Minister Penny Wong defended Australia’s decision, saying the resolution was considered on its merits.
“Hamas does not want two states. Hamas is a terrorist organisation dedicated to the destruction of Israel and of the Jewish people. That is why they are condemned, and they must be condemned. This is a resolution that looks to seeking two states to enable security for both peoples,” Ms. Wong said.