EU moves to sanction Iranian officials over Hormuz Strait blockade
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European Union nations on Friday moved toward imposing sanctions on Iranian officials and others linked to the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, calling the move a violation of international law.
The blockade was imposed by Tehran in response to US-Israeli strikes launched in February.
EU governments approved a technical step to expand the scope of the bloc’s existing Iran sanctions regime, allowing more individuals and entities to be targeted.
“The EU will now be able to introduce further restrictive measures in response to Iran's actions undermining the freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz,” the European Council said in a statement.
The EU did not immediately name the individuals or organisations that could face sanctions. The measures are expected to include travel bans and asset freezes.
Under the sanctions, EU citizens and companies would also be prohibited from providing funds, financial assets, or economic resources to those listed.
The European Union already has sanctions on Iran related to its military support for Russia in the Ukraine war, backing for armed groups in West Asia, and alleged human rights violations.
The conflict involving Iran and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz have caused major disruptions in global energy markets. The waterway normally carries around one-fifth of the world’s oil production, and the blockade has pushed energy prices sharply higher.