The European Union has expanded the scope of its sanctions against Iran, extending restrictive measures to include individuals and entities involved in actions that threaten freedom of navigation in the Middle East, particularly in the Strait of Hormuz.
According to an official press release, the decision was adopted by the Council of the European Union on Friday and builds on an existing sanctions framework initially introduced in response to Tehran’s military support for Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, as well as its backing of armed groups in the Middle East and the Red Sea region.
“The Council decided today to extend the scope of the EU’s restrictive measures originally established to address Tehran’s military support for Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine and various armed groups in the Middle East and the Red Sea region. The amended sanctions framework will now also target individuals and entities involved in Iran’s actions and policies threatening the freedom of navigation in the Middle East.
The decision delivers on the political agreement reached by EU ministers at the Foreign Affairs Council on 21 April 2026.
Iran’s actions against vessels transiting through the Strait of Hormuz are contrary to international law. Such actions infringe upon established rights of both transit and innocent passage through international straits.
Thanks to the amended legal framework, 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. Such restrictive measures consist of travel restrictions that prohibit listed individuals and entities from entering or transiting through EU territories, and an asset freeze. In addition, EU citizens and companies are forbidden from making funds, financial assets or economic resources available to listed individuals and entities,” the press release states.
By Tamilla Hasanova
