Tehran: The Hungarian ambassador in Tehran was summoned to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs following the imposition of sanctions by the European Union and the United Kingdom against several Iranian entities, including the Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines. According to Islamic Republic News Agency, the sanctions were imposed on the alleged grounds that Iran was sending ballistic missiles to Russia, a claim that has been contested by Iranian officials. In response to these actions, Hungary's ambassador, representing the rotating presidency of the European Union, was called to the Ministry to receive a formal protest against what Iran deems an illegal and unjustified act by the EU. During the meeting, the Director General of Western Europe at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the EU's decision to sanction Iranian individuals and companies associated with the Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Group. The sanctions were criticized as being contrary to international law and seen as a disruption to t he principle of freedom of navigation and maritime trade. Majid Nili, a senior Iranian official, dismissed the allegations of Iran's missile shipments to Russia, which had been acknowledged by Ukrainian officials. Nili emphasized that Iran's defense and security cooperation with other countries is legitimate and does not target any third party. He further stated that European countries' interference in Iran's defense collaborations is unacceptable.