Strait of Hormuz: EU adopts new sanctions against Iran
European Union foreign ministers approved on June 8 restrictive measures against two individuals and one entity under the extended legal framework targeting those involved in Iran’s actions and policies threatening the freedom of navigation in the Middle East, a statement by the Council of the EU said.
“These actions are contrary to international law and infringe upon established rights of both transit and innocent passage through international straits,” the statement said.
The EU ministers listed the Hormozgan Provincial Command of the EU listed Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy (IRGCN).
The IRGC Navy has assumed control of the Strait of Hormuz and implemented a toll system whereby vessels are now required to provide identifying documentation, as well as cargo and destination information ultimately passed onto the Hormozgan Provincial Command.
Using this information, the Hormozgan Provincial Command screens vessels and determines which ones are allowed to transit through the strait, sometimes after paying tolls.
The EU ministers listed Mohammad Akbarzadeh and Hamid Hosseini for supporting Iran’s actions impeding lawful transit passage and freedom of navigation.
Mohammad Akbarzadeh is Deputy Commander for Political Affairs of the IRGC Navy and acts as the spokesperson for the organisation.
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. In his capacity, Akbarzadeh threatens to use missiles or drones against vessels transiting the strait.
Hamid Hosseini is a representative of Iran’s Oil, Gas and Petrochemical Products Exporters’ Union and a member of Iran’s Chamber of Commerce. In his capacity, Hosseini promotes the policy of submitting, undergoing assessment, and paying transit fees to Iranian authorities for safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz.
With the June 8 listings, restrictive measures under this amended framework now apply to 26 natural and legal persons and 27 entities from a range of countries, the statement said.
Those listed under the sanctions regime are subject to an asset freeze, and it is prohibited to provide them with funds or economic resources, either directly or indirectly. Additionally, a travel ban to the EU applies to all natural persons listed.
