EU imposes sanctions on Iran for obstructing navigation in the Strait of Hormuz

The EU has used its new freedom of navigation sanctions regime to target Iran for threats to maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz – including controlling ships and imposing transit fees for ships allowed to pass.

The restrictive measures target local commanders of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGCN) Navy, which, according to the EU decision to include it in the sanctions list, "has taken control of the Strait of Hormuz and implemented a payment system."

Iranian restrictions on maritime transport through the Strait of Hormuz – after conflict with the US, Israel and regional actors – have caused a energy shock in all EU economies, prompting the bloc in May to expand the sanctions regime to target those involved in obstructing legitimate transit and freedom of navigation in the strategic waterway.

"Ministers were clear that Iran's actions are unacceptable," said Kaja Kallas, the EU's foreign affairs chief, at a meeting of European defense ministers in Cyprus.

"In response, EU member states today adopted sanctions in Brussels against Iranian individuals and entities involved in the disruption of transit through the Strait of Hormuz," she said, adding that it is the first time the EU has implemented its new freedom of navigation sanctions regime.

The EU accused Iran's navy commanders of imposing a blockade that "controls ships and determines which ones are allowed to pass through the strait, sometimes after paying taxes."

"The IRGC Navy undermines freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz by implementing a payment system and by threatening, harassing and attacking numerous merchant ships in the region," a statement from the EU Council said.

Mohammad Akbarzadeh, a local navy commander, has been sanctioned with an asset freeze and travel ban for threatening "to use missiles or drones against ships transiting the strait."

Hamid Hosseini, a trade representative and official of the Union of Iranian Oil, Gas and Petrochemical Exporters, has also been sanctioned for promoting tax policy.

The GeoPost