Pictured (left to right): Former MEP David Lega, HOL President Alireza Akhondi MP, HOL General Secretary Maneli Mirkhan at the European Parliament
Brussels, February 4, 2025 – The House of Liberty (HOL) successfully hosted a high-profile conference at the European Parliament today, highlighting the urgent need for stronger EU sanctions to counter the growing Iran-Russia alliance. Hosted by MEP Antonio López-Istúriz White, the event brought together policymakers, security analysts, and sanctions experts to address the threats posed by Iran’s expanding military and economic support for Russia’s war in Ukraine.
Opening Remarks: The Geopolitical Urgency of Sanctions on Iran
MEP Antonio López-Istúriz White opened the event by emphasizing the critical timing of this discussion. Acknowledging the tragic school shooting in Örebro, Sweden, earlier in the day, he expressed condolences to the victims and their families. He then addressed the broader geopolitical challenges, noting, “Just 12 days ago, on January 23rd, the European Parliament passed a resolution condemning Iran’s systematic repression and its use of hostage diplomacy. This resolution also includes a renewed call for the Council to designate the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist organization and a strong emphasis on the need to extend EU sanctions to all individuals and entities responsible for human rights violations.”
Iran’s Role in Ukraine: A Security Crisis for Europe
Former MEP David Lega underscored the grave security threat posed by Iran’s direct military involvement in Ukraine. “Iranian-made Shahed drones are raining down on Ukrainian cities, targeting civilians, power plants, and hospitals. European intelligence confirms that the IRGC is not only supplying Russia with weapons but also training Russian forces. And our response? We have been imposing sanctions on individuals within the IRGC. But let me be very clear – sanctioning individuals is not enough. The IRGC is not a collection of rogue elements; it’s an entire terrorist apparatus.”
The European Connection: How Iran Exploits EU Supply Chains
HOL President Alireza Akhondi MP delivered a stark warning about Europe’s role in enabling Iran’s war machine. “We have seen that European components have been found in Iranian drones terrorizing Ukrainian people and threatening our European security. How is that possible? That shows that we have this missing link – the lack of enforcement that is undermining our efforts. If Europe is serious about stopping Iran, it must shut down these networks.”
This regime’s legitimacy is not recognized by Iranians who are fighting for freedom and democracy. The Iranian people do not support the Islamic Republic, and they need our help to break free from this dictatorship. Sanctions are not just a tool to weaken Iran’s influence abroad – they are a critical measure to empower Iranians in their struggle for a democratic future. Alliances and unity in this effort are therefore essential in removing this evil regime.
Iran’s Economic Mismanagement and Sanctions Evasion
Siamak Javadi, an expert in Iranian economy and a professor at the University of Texas, provided a detailed analysis of Iran’s economic priorities, dispelling the myth that sanctions relief benefits the Iranian people. “One would imagine that sanctions relief would have gone towards improving public infrastructure – power, roads, and basic services. Instead, the regime funneled at least $30 billion to its proxies Hezbollah, Hamas, and Assad’s Syria. Iran is facing multiple economic crises at the same time, and the root cause is not sanctions. The problem is systemic corruption, economic mismanagement, and the regime’s ideology.”
Enforcement Challenges and the Need for Stronger Measures
Dr. Wayne Carroll, a leading expert in sanctions law, outlined the enforcement challenges that weaken existing measures. “Sanctions regimes must be designed to counteract evasive tactics. Dual-use items, financial loopholes, and lack of strict liability policies allow Iran to continue circumventing restrictions. Whether it is the snapback mechanism or new targeted sanctions, their effectiveness depends entirely on rapid implementation and rigorous enforcement.”
Counter-Sanctions Strategies: How Iran and Russia Evade Restrictions
Sanctions compliance specialist Ojan Bahadori delved into the sophisticated counter-sanctions strategies employed by Tehran and Moscow. “Iranian and Russian entities are using increasingly complex financial mechanisms, from cryptocurrency to fraudulent trade routes, to evade sanctions. Iran has adapted by using shell companies and intermediaries in third countries such as Turkey and the UAE. Without a dedicated EU task force to track and counter these tactics, enforcement efforts will continue to fall short.”
A Call to Action: Europe Must Recognize the Iran-Russia Threat
The event concluded with a call to action, emphasizing that if Europe truly seeks to counter Russian aggression, it must treat Iran as part of the same strategic threat. Policymakers and experts in attendance overwhelmingly supported measures such as activating the JCPOA snapback mechanism, expanding sanctions enforcement, and closing financial loopholes that allow Iran to sustain its destabilizing activities.
Post-Conference Event: Strengthening Alliances for a Free Iran
Following the conference, House of Liberty hosted a private event, “Conversations on Iran: How to Build Alliances for a Free Iran,” a cocktail reception at the European Parliament. The event, featuring Alireza Akhondi MP and MEP Hannah Neumann, Chair for the Delegation for Relations with Iran, provided a platform for deeper discussions on coalition-building efforts to support Iran’s pro-democracy movement.
House of Liberty extends its gratitude to the European Jewish Association, particularly Ruth Daskalopoulou-Isaac, for her tireless efforts in bringing this event together. Her dedication and coordination ensured that these critical discussions took place at the heart of European policymaking.
For further information, media inquiries, or access to recordings of the event, please contact: press@houseofliberty.org
