EU Sanctions Iran Over Hormuz Disruptions

The European Union>>> has imposed sanctions on two Iranian individuals, Hamad Akbarzadeh>>> and Hamid Hosseini>>>, and the Hormozgan Provincial Command of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps>>> Navy. These sanctions are in response to Iran>>>'s actions threatening the freedom of maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz>>>, a critical global oil shipping route. This marks the first time the bloc has used its new powers to sanction Iran>>> for restricting freedom of navigation. Iran>>> initially closed the strait after United States>>>-Israel>>> strikes on February 28 and later re-closed it on April 18, citing the United States>>>'s continued blockade of its ports. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps>>> Navy is accused of controlling traffic, mandating tolls, and threatening commercial vessels. Hamad Akbarzadeh>>> is specifically cited for threatening drone and missile attacks, while Hamid Hosseini>>> promoted the policy of paying transit fees. Kaja Kallas>>>, the European Union>>>'s foreign policy chief, stated that Iran>>>'s actions are unacceptable and that the European Union>>> will apply this new sanctions regime again if necessary. The sanctions include asset freezes and travel bans for those listed.