EU envoys approve sanctions on 19 Iranian officials, entities over rights violations

BRUSSELS, March 11 (Reuters) - European Union envoys have approved new sanctions targeting 19 Iranian officials and entities responsible for serious human rights violations, the bloc's foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, said on Wednesday.

"As the Iran war continues, the EU will protect its interests and pursue those responsible for domestic repression," Kallas said on X, adding that "it also sends a message to Tehran that Iran’s future cannot be built on repression".

The sanctions, which have been in the making since before the beginning of the war, will require final approval from the Council of the EU.