The European Union is preparing to expand its sanctions regime on Iran to include individuals and organisations responsible for blocking navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, according to EU diplomats.
Officials said there was political agreement among EU ambassadors to update the sanctions framework after months of disruption in one of the world’s most important energy routes.
Diplomats said the move is aimed at targeting those seen as obstructing freedom of navigation, as shipping through the strait has been severely reduced due to ongoing regional tensions and military activity.
The Strait of Hormuz has been largely disrupted since late February, with reports of military actions, seizures of vessels, and heightened security risks affecting global oil and gas transport.
The situation escalated further after the United States seized an Iranian cargo ship, increasing tensions and putting a fragile ceasefire process at risk.
Under the proposed changes, the EU would be able to sanction individuals and entities linked to blocking maritime traffic in the region. Officials say the European External Action Service will need several weeks to prepare the new listings.
The EU has already imposed multiple rounds of sanctions on Iran, including designations targeting the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and Iranian officials over human rights concerns.
The latest move would significantly broaden the scope of sanctions, focusing directly on maritime disruption and energy security risks affecting global markets.
The Strait of Hormuz is a critical global shipping lane, handling a large share of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas exports. Any prolonged disruption in the area has immediate effects on international energy prices and supply chains.
EU officials say the goal of the new measures is to protect freedom of navigation and reduce risks to global trade, while increasing pressure on those responsible for instability in the region.
Further technical work on the sanctions package is expected in the coming weeks before formal approval.
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