The EU has used its new freedom-of-navigation sanctions regime to target Iran over threats to maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz – including the screening of vessels and the imposition of transit fees on ships allowed to pass.
The restrictive measures target the local commanders of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy (IRGCN) which, said the EU sanctions listing decision, “has assumed control of the Strait of Hormuz and implemented a toll system”.
Iranian restrictions on shipping through the Strait of Hormuz – following the conflict with the US, Israel and regional actors – have triggered an energy shock across EU economies, prompting the bloc in May to expand its sanctions regime to target those involved in impeding lawful transit and freedom of navigation in the strategic waterway.
“Ministers were clear today that Iran’s actions are unacceptable,” said Kaja Kallas, the EU’s foreign affairs chief, at a meeting of European defence ministers in Cyprus.
“In response, EU member states in Brussels today approved sanctions against Iranian individuals and entities involved in disrupting the transit through the Strait of Hormuz,” she said, adding that it is the first time EU has applied its new freedom of navigation sanctions regime.
The EU accused Iran’s navy commanders of setting up a blockade that “screens vessels and determines which ones are allowed to transit through the strait, sometimes after paying tolls”.
“The IRGC Navy undermines freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz by enforcing a toll system and by threatening, harassing, and attacking multiple commercial vessels in the region,” said a statement form the Council of EU.
Mohammad Akbarzadeh, a local navy commander, is sanctioned with an asset freeze and travel ban for threatening “to use missiles or drones against vessels transiting the strait”.
Hamid Hosseini, a trade representative and official of Iran’s Oil, Gas and Petrochemical Products Exporters’ Union, is also sanctioned for promoting the toll policy.
(cs)
