EU sanctions two Iranians, one entity over Strait of Hormuz navigation threats

International

BRUSSELS, Belgium (NPA) — The European Union has imposed restrictive measures on two Iranian individuals and the Hormozgan Provincial Command of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy (IRGCN) for actions undermining freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.

The Council said Iran’s toll system, enforced by the IRGC Navy, requires vessels to submit documentation and pay fees for passage, a practice deemed contrary to international law and the right of innocent transit through international straits.

Those listed include Mohammad Akbarzadeh, Deputy Commander for Political Affairs of the IRGC Navy, accused of threatening commercial vessels with missiles and drones, and Hamid Hosseini, a representative of Iran’s Oil, Gas and Petrochemical Products Exporters’ Union, who promotes the policy of paying transit fees to Iranian authorities. With these additions, EU sanctions now apply to 26 individuals and 27 entities. Measures include asset freezes, bans on providing funds or resources, and EU travel bans.

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The Council recalled its March 19 conclusions urging full implementation of UNSC Resolution 2817 (2026) and condemning acts that threaten maritime security. The listings follow the EU’s May 22 decision to expand its sanctions framework to target those involved in Iran’s actions threatening navigation in the Middle East.

The EU stressed that freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz must be upheld in line with international law, including the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.