Brussels (EFE).- European Union foreign ministers reached a political agreement on Tuesday to expand the legal framework for sanctions against Iran, allowing the EU to impose restrictive measures on those who violate the right to freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.
«Today we also reached the political agreement to widen our sanctions regime to also target those responsible for breaches to freedom of navigation,» announced EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Kaja Kallas at a press conference following a Council of Ministers meeting in Luxembourg.
Kallas recalled that the EU has already imposed far-reaching sanctions on Iran through legal regimes that address human rights violations and Tehran’s support of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
One of the issues addressed by the Council on Tuesday was the Middle Eastern crisis caused by the United States’ and Israel’s war against Iran and Tehran’s attacks against other countries in the region.
«On Iran, ministers were clear that freedom of navigation is non-negotiable. Daily U-turns, whether the Strait of Hormuz is open or closed, are reckless. Transit through the Strait must remain free of charge,» Kallas stated.
The former Estonian prime minister affirmed that «Europe will play its part in restoring the free flow of energy and trade once the conditions allow.»
Kallas also deemed the EU naval mission in the Red Sea, «Aspides,» the fastest way to protect navigation in the region and again urged member states to provide it with more resources.
She also mentioned the possibility that Iranian drones used against other Gulf countries incorporate Russian technological improvements.
«We are engaging closely with Gulf partners to limit this, including through possible cooperation on sanctions. We also want to deepen our cooperation with the Gulf regarding security and defense,» she said, adding that «none of us want to see a nuclear-armed Iran.» EFE
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