Europe moves against Hormuz threats by expanding sanctions on Iran

Europe has begun responding to Iranian threats against navigation in the Strait of Hormuz by expanding sanctions related to the issue.

On Friday, the Council of the European Union decided to broaden the legal framework of European sanctions imposed on Iran to include individuals and entities involved in policies and actions that threaten freedom of navigation and the lawful right of passage in the Middle East, particularly in the Strait of Hormuz.

• Negotiating with Iran is a waste of time: American calls to open the Strait of Hormuz by force

• Syrian ports as a potential alternative to the Strait of Hormuz despite infrastructure challenges

Under the new amendments, the European Union will be able to impose additional restrictive measures on persons and entities connected to actions undermining freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.

These measures include travel bans preventing entry into or transit through European Union territory, as well as the freezing of assets.

European citizens and companies will also be prohibited from providing funds, financial assets, or economic resources to individuals and entities listed under the sanctions regime.

• Behind the scenes of the Charles de Gaulle mission: a rapid European move to secure Hormuz

• The United States uses artificial intelligence to detect Iranian mines in the Strait of Hormuz

The Council explained that EU foreign ministers had reached a political agreement on the matter during the Foreign Affairs Council meeting held last April.

The Council stressed that Iranian actions against vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz “contravene international law” and constitute a violation of transit and innocent passage rights recognized in international straits.

Last March, the European Council called for the full implementation of United Nations Security Council Resolution 2817 of 2026, emphasizing the need to ensure maritime security and respect freedom of navigation, while condemning any acts threatening maritime traffic or obstructing the entry and exit of ships through the Strait of Hormuz.

• Washington seeks to form an international coalition to secure the Strait of Hormuz

• Iran war threatens submarine cables in the Strait of Hormuz

• Tehran closes the Strait of Hormuz again in a tug-of-war with Washington.

• Hormuz Alliance: Nearly 40 countries meet to discuss restoring freedom of navigation