EU imposes fresh sanctions on Iran over human rights violations

The European Union has approved a new round of sanctions against Iranian officials and entities accused of committing serious human rights violations, according to Kaja Kallas, the EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, Kallas announced that ambassadors from EU member states had endorsed the measures as part of the bloc’s continued efforts to hold Tehran accountable.

“The EU continues to hold Iran accountable,” Kallas said. “Today, EU Member States ambassadors approved new sanctions targeting 19 regime officials and entities responsible for serious human rights violations.”

The sanctions come amid heightened geopolitical tensions involving Iran and growing concerns within Europe over alleged repression inside the country. The EU has repeatedly condemned what it describes as domestic crackdowns and violations of fundamental rights by Iranian authorities.

Kallas noted that the measures are also intended to signal the EU’s determination to defend its political and strategic interests as the conflict involving Iran continues to draw international attention.

“As the Iran war continues, the EU will protect its interests and pursue those responsible for domestic repression,” she said, adding that the sanctions send a clear political message to Tehran regarding the EU’s expectations for the country’s future governance.

“It also sends a message to Tehran that Iran’s future cannot be built on repression,” Kallas said.

The European bloc has in recent years used sanctions as one of its main diplomatic tools to pressure governments accused of human rights violations. EU officials say such measures are aimed at holding perpetrators accountable while encouraging reforms and respect for international norms.

Spain ends ambassador’s appointment in Israel

Meanwhile, the government of Spain has formally terminated the appointment of its ambassador to Israel, marking a further deterioration in diplomatic relations between the two countries.

According to Al Jazeera, citing an official state gazette released on Wednesday, Madrid confirmed the withdrawal of its envoy as it continues to position itself among the most outspoken critics within the European Union of Israel’s military actions in the Middle East.

The announcement was made through a formal directive outlining the end of the ambassador’s tenure.

“At the proposal of the Minister for Foreign Affairs, the European Union and Cooperation, and following deliberation by the Council of Ministers at its meeting on 10 March 2026, I hereby order the termination of Ms Ana María Sálomon Pérez’s appointment as Ambassador of Spain to the State of Israel,” the gazette said.

The decision effectively ends the diplomatic posting of Ana María Sálomon Pérez as Spain’s top envoy in Israel.

The development marks the latest step in the EU’s evolving policy toward both Iran and Israel as tensions in the region continue to shape international diplomatic and security calculations.