EU court has rejected European Union embargo against Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines (IRISL) and seven other Iranian shipping companies.
Mohammad Hossein Dajmar, managing director of IRISL said on Monday that EU’s “illegal and unilateral” move to ban the shipping lines was thrown out by the European court following months of efforts by Iran.
“This big success further puts the seal of approval on the rightfulness of the IRISL and the baselessness of the accusations leveled [against the Iranian firm],” Dajmar said.
In 2011, the EU targeted over 30 IRISL holding companies as part of Western-led sanctions imposed against the Islamic Republic over allegations of diversion in its nuclear energy program.
Following the sanctions, several IRISL vessels were temporarily seized in foreign ports.
The European court’s ruling on IRISL comes following the September 8 ruling against sanctions imposed on Iranian Offshore Engineering and Construction Company (IOEC) for its alleged links to Iran’s nuclear energy program.
Also on September 6, the court rejected sanctions imposed against eight Iranian banks and companies for the same reason.
The United States, Israel and some of their allies have accused Iran of pursuing non-civilian objectives in its nuclear energy program, with the US and European Union using the claim as an excuse to impose illegal sanctions against Tehran, a claim categorically rejected by the Islamic Republic.
