The European Union announced sanctions on Tuesday against eight individuals and one entity accused of targeting Iranian dissidents abroad on behalf of Tehran’s government. The measures include asset freezes and travel bans, citing "serious human rights violations" and acts of "transnational repression," according to a European Council statement.

Among those sanctioned is the Zindashti Network, described as a criminal organization tied to Iran’s Ministry of Intelligence and Security and accused of orchestrating assassinations of Iranian dissidents. The group’s leader, Naji Ibrahim Sharifi-Zindashti, a known narcotics trafficker and organized crime boss, was also sanctioned. The Zindashti Network had already been blacklisted by the United States.

The EU’s sanctions list also includes Mohammed Ansari, head of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps' Quds Force Unit 840, who is accused of ordering the assassination of journalists critical of Iran.

The European Council stressed that these listings confirm growing concerns over Iran’s use of criminal networks and proxy agents to target dissidents and human rights defenders abroad, including within EU borders.

The sanctions underscore the EU’s broader efforts to counter Iran’s activities beyond its borders, particularly those linked to espionage, organized crime, and suppression of dissent.