The European Union opened the way, on Friday, for the establishment of sanctions against “persons” and “entities” in Iran that block the Strait of Hormuz, informs AFP.
This strategic sea route, through which about 20% of the world's hydrocarbons normally transit, has been blocked since late February by Iran in retaliation for the war launched by the United States and Israel.
“Iran's actions against ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz contravene international law,” Brussels said in a statement.
The EU already has several sanctions regimes in place against Iran. On Friday, he decided to expand them to include “persons and entities involved in Iran's actions that threaten freedom of navigation in the Middle East.”
Among the possible sanctions: prohibition to travel in the EU space or to transit the EU area, freezing of assets, etc.
European companies and citizens are also prohibited from doing business with anyone on this blacklist.
