The Council expanded the legal framework of restrictive measures against Iran to also include individuals and entities involved in Tehran’s actions and policies that impede legal transit and freedom of navigation in the Middle East, particularly in the Strait of Hormuz. The decision follows the political agreement reached by Foreign Ministers on 21 April 2026.
According to the Council, Iranian interference against ships transiting the Strait violates international law and established rights of innocent passage and transit through international straits. With the new sanctions framework, the EU will be able to impose further measures, including travel bans and asset freezes, as well as a ban on European citizens and businesses from making funds or economic resources available to designated entities.
The sanctions regime was established in July 2023 to respond to Iranian military support for Russia’s war in Ukraine and expanded in May 2024 to include support for armed groups in the Middle East and the Red Sea. The EU also recalls the need to guarantee maritime safety and freedom of navigation, as required by UN resolution 2817 (2026).