Trending 
European Union (EU) nations have moved towards imposing sanctions on Iranian officials and others accused of blocking the Strait of Hormuz.
The EU said this on Friday. Tehran effectively closed the major shipping lane for global gas and oil in retaliation for US-Israeli strikes launched in February.
Regarding the blockade “contrary to international law”, EU governments took a step to extend the scope of their existing Iran sanctions regime, allowing for more individuals to be targeted under it.
“The EU will now be able to introduce further restrictive measures in response to Iran’s actions undermining the freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz,” the European Council representing EU nations said.
Previously, Brussels’ legal actions on Iran targeted the country’s military support for Russia in its war against Ukraine and for armed groups across the Middle East.
According to AFP, the European Union has also imposed sanctions over human rights violations in the country. The EU did not immediately name any individual or entity that would be targeted by the new sanctions, which consist of travel bans and asset freezes.
EU citizens and companies will be banned from making funds, financial assets or other economic resources available to those listed. The Iran war and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which normally carries a fifth of global oil production, have sent ripples through the global economy, driving energy prices soaring.
