Kanaani criticized the EU's action as ineffective and accused it of overlooking humanitarian crises in Gaza and Palestine.

"The European Union, which has been passive and ineffective in dealing with the humanitarian disaster in Gaza and Palestine for the past months and has been criticized by European public opinion and people all over the world, once again instead of focusing on 'the war crimes of the Zionist regime in Gaza' and the punishment and sanctions of this criminal regime have placed some leading and effective Iranian officials and institutions in the fight against terrorism and ensuring stable security in the region in its list of sanctions," Kanaani stated.

He expressed regret that the EU, by using what he termed "repeated, absurd, and baseless excuses and accusations," ignored the realities in West Asia and continued its "failed and ineffective approach." Kanaani accused the EU of prioritizing the interests of "the Zionist regime and the United States" over those of European nations.

Kanaani emphasized Iran's commitment to its principled policies aimed at ensuring regional and international peace and security, while criticizing the EU's dual behavior. He asserted Iran's right to respond to what he described as the EU's destructive approach.

The European Union announced on Friday that it had sanctioned six individuals and three institutions for their roles in transferring drones to Russia and armed groups in the Middle East and the Red Sea region. The entities sanctioned include the Khatam al-Anbiya Headquarters, the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps Navy, and Behrad Kavan Electronics Company.

Additionally, the Council of Europe decided to sanction Brigadier General Mohammad Reza Ashtiani, Iran's Minister of Defense, a commander of the Quds Force of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC-QF), and the head of the Iranian Aerospace Industries Organization.

The EU's sanctions come amidst ongoing tensions and highlight the international community's complex and contentious interactions with Iran over its military activities and regional influence. (ILKHA)