Nicosia, Cyprus. The European Union has imposed sanctions on Iranian individuals and entities accused of disrupting maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said on Monday. The move marks the first use of the bloc’s new freedom of navigation sanctions regime.
Middle East tensions discussed
Speaking after an informal meeting of EU defence ministers in Nicosia, Kallas said ministers had discussed the escalating situation in the Middle East following overnight developments between Iran and Israel.
She said the region was moving through phases of peace talks and fragile ceasefires, and warned that a return to full-scale war would come at a tremendous cost to the entire region.
Concerns over shipping threats
Kallas said all sides should return to negotiations, while expressing concern over threats to international shipping.
She said freedom of navigation was under heavy pressure globally, particularly in the Strait of Hormuz. Accusing Tehran of effectively closing the strategic waterway and continuing to threaten maritime traffic with drone activity, Kallas said EU ministers had agreed that Iran’s actions were unacceptable.
First use of new sanctions regime
Kallas said EU member states had approved sanctions against Iranian individuals and entities involved in disrupting transit through the Strait of Hormuz.
She said this was the first time the EU had applied its new freedom of navigation sanctions regime and added that it would be used again where necessary.
Diplomatic efforts and broader agenda
Kallas said the EU was continuing diplomatic efforts aimed at reducing tensions in the region and had offered expertise to support negotiations, including on nuclear issues and confidence-building measures.
She said the Middle East was one of several issues discussed by ministers during the meeting, alongside support for Ukraine, maritime security and the future of European defence.
Kallas also said there was strong unity among member states on continuing support for Ukraine and increasing pressure on Russia.
