22/05/2026
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22/05/2026
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BRUSSELS, May 22: European Union member states moved on Friday toward imposing new sanctions on Iranian officials and other individuals accused of involvement in the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, a move Brussels described as a response to actions undermining freedom of navigation in one of the world’s most critical energy shipping routes. The European Council said EU governments had taken a technical step to expand the scope of the bloc’s existing Iran sanctions regime, enabling additional individuals and entities to be targeted with travel bans and asset freezes.
The EU described the closure of the Strait of Hormuz by Iran as contrary to international law after Tehran effectively shut the strategic waterway in retaliation for US-Israeli strikes launched in February. The strait, which normally carries around one-fifth of global oil production, has become a focal point of escalating tensions and has triggered sharp increases in global energy prices. Under the proposed measures, EU citizens and companies would also be prohibited from providing funds or economic resources to sanctioned individuals or entities.
The new move expands on previous EU sanctions targeting Iran over alleged military support for Russia in the Ukraine war, support for armed groups across the Middle East, and human rights violations. While the bloc has not yet identified which Iranian officials or organizations could face the new penalties, diplomats said discussions are ongoing regarding additional restrictive measures linked specifically to maritime disruptions in Hormuz.
Meanwhile, France has drafted a United Nations Security Council resolution proposing the creation of an international mission to restore shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. According to the French Foreign Ministry, the proposal comes as a separate US-Bahrain initiative remains stalled amid concerns that China and Russia could veto the plan at the UN Security Council.
