EU Moves to Impose Sanctions on Iranian Officials Over Strait of Hormuz Blockade

Kathmandu. European Union (EU) member states have moved towards imposing sanctions on Iranian officials and other officials and entities responsible for blocking the Strait of Hormuz on Friday.

Tehran had blocked the global gas and oil shipping route 'Strait of Hormuz' after an attack by the US-Israel in February.

Considering the blockade 'against international law', EU governments have taken technical steps to expand the scope of their existing Iran sanctions regime and have allowed more individuals to be targeted under this, it is said.

"In response to Iran's move to undermine freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, the EU will now be able to implement more restrictive measures," said the European Council, representing the European nations.

Brussels had previously targeted Iran with punitive measures targeting military support to Russia and armed groups in Middle Eastern countries in the war against Ukraine.

The European Union has also imposed sanctions over human rights violations in the country.

The EU has not immediately named any individuals or entities that will be targeted by the new sanctions. The sanctions will impose a travel ban and asset freeze on them.

The EU has also prohibited its citizens and companies from providing funds, financial assets, or other economic resources to the sanctioned individuals.

The Hormuz route, through which Iran's war and one-fifth of global fuel supply is transported, has sent ripples through the world economy and has increased energy prices.