NICOSIA, June 8 (Xinhua) -- The European Union (EU) on Monday approved sanctions against Iranian individuals and entities over allegations of disrupting maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said.
Kallas made the announcement at a press conference following an informal meeting of EU defense ministers in Cyprus.
She said freedom of navigation is facing increasing pressure globally, particularly in the Strait of Hormuz, where Iranian actions and drone activity have allegedly posed risks to commercial shipping. EU ministers considered such actions unacceptable, she added.
According to Kallas, the decision marks the first time the EU has activated its new sanctions regime aimed at safeguarding freedom of navigation. She said the bloc would not hesitate to use the mechanism again if necessary.
Kallas also said the EU naval mission ASPIDES is making a "crucial contribution" to protecting commercial shipping in the Red Sea, where vessels continue to face threats from Yemen's Houthi group.
She further proposed that, once conditions permit, ASPIDES could contribute to broader maritime security cooperation efforts in the Strait of Hormuz, including initiatives led by France and the United Kingdom.
Discussions on the proposal will continue, Kallas said. ■
