EU Sanctions Two Individuals and One Entity Over Strait of Hormuz Navigation Issues

BRUSSELS, Jun 8: The European Union has approved new restrictive measures targeting two individuals and one entity linked to Iran’s policies affecting freedom of navigation in the Middle East, according to a statement issued by the Council.

The sanctions are part of an expanded legal framework addressing actions deemed to threaten lawful transit and innocent passage through international waterways. The Council said such activities violate international law and undermine established maritime rights in key shipping routes.

As part of the latest measures, the EU has listed the Hormozgan Provincial Command of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy (IRGCN). The bloc said the IRGC Navy has assumed control over the Strait of Hormuz and implemented a system requiring vessels to submit identifying documents, cargo details, and destination information, which are then reviewed by the Hormozgan command. It added that vessels are sometimes required to pay tolls to obtain transit approval.

The EU also sanctioned Mohammad Akbarzadeh, Deputy Commander for Political Affairs of the IRGC Navy and its spokesperson, accusing him of supporting threats and actions against commercial shipping, including the use of missiles and drones against vessels transiting the strait.

In addition, Hamid Hosseini, a representative of Iran’s Oil, Gas and Petrochemical Products Exporters’ Union and member of Iran’s Chamber of Commerce, was listed for allegedly promoting policies involving transit fees and compliance mechanisms imposed by Iranian authorities for safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz.

With these additions, the sanctions framework now covers 26 individuals and 27 entities. Those listed are subject to asset freezes, travel bans within the EU, and a prohibition on providing funds or economic resources.