The European Union has imposed new sanctions on two Iranian nationals and one entity over their alleged involvement in actions disrupting maritime operations in the Strait of Hormuz.
The restrictive measures were approved on Monday under the EU’s expanded legal framework targeting individuals and organizations linked to activities that impede freedom of movement and navigation in the Middle East.
Among those sanctioned is the Hormozgan Provincial Command of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy, which is responsible for screening vessels and determining their passage through the Strait of Hormuz.
The EU also listed Mohammad Akbarzadeh, the IRGC Navy’s Deputy Commander for Political Affairs, accusing him of issuing threats involving the potential use of missiles or drones against vessels operating in the region.
Also sanctioned is Hamid Hosseini, a member of Iran’s Chamber of Commerce and representative of the Oil, Gas and Petrochemical Products Exporters’ Union.
According to the EU, Hosseini was designated for supporting Tehran’s “actions impeding lawful transit passage and freedom of navigation,” including promoting a policy that encourages vessels to pay fees to Iranian authorities for safe passage through the strategic waterway.
The European Union stated that any obstruction of maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz violates international law and infringes on established rights relating to transit and innocent passage through international straits.
In May, the EU expanded its sanctions framework concerning Iran’s military support for regional armed groups and Russia’s war in Ukraine to include activities considered threats to navigation and maritime security in the Middle East.
With the latest additions, the number of individuals and entities sanctioned under the amended framework has risen to 26 natural and legal persons and 27 entities from various countries.
Those listed are subject to asset freezes and are barred from receiving funds or economic resources, either directly or indirectly. Individuals named under the sanctions regime are also prohibited from travelling to European Union member states.
