Freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz: EU lists two individuals and one entity
The Council approved today 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. These actions are contrary to international law and infringe upon established rights of both transit and innocent passage through international straits.
The Council is listing 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.
Furthermore, the EU is listing today 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 today’s listings, restrictive measures under this amended framework now apply to
26 natural and legal
persons and
27 entities from a range of countries.
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.
Background
In its conclusions of 19 March 2026, the European Council called for the full implementation of UNSC Resolution 2817 (2026), recalling the need to ensure maritime security and respect for the freedom of navigation and condemning any acts that threaten navigation or prevent vessels from entering and exiting the Strait of Hormuz.
On 9 April 2026, the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy issued a statement on behalf of the EU on the ceasefire agreed by the United States and Iran urging all involved to fully respect the ceasefire across the region and to fully ensure freedom of navigation as well as free and safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz, in line with international law, as reflected in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.
On 22 May 2026, the Council extended the scope of EU’s restrictive measures in view of Iran's military support of Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine and to armed groups in the Middle East and Red Sea region to be able to also target individuals and entities involved in Iran’s actions and policies threatening the freedom of navigation in the Middle East, and particularly in the Strait of Hormuz.
