EU Sanctions Iranians Over Restricting Naval Traffic in Hormuz

Good afternoon, everyone. Welcome to this press conference following the informal meeting of Defence Ministers. We are joined by the High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice President of the European Commission, Ms. Kaya Gallas, and the Minister of Defence of Cyprus, Mr. Vassilis Palmas. Ms. Gallas, you have the floor. Then on the Middle East, Israel and Iran exchanged fire overnight. The region is stuck in phases of peace talks and fragile ceasefires. A return to full-scale war would come at tremendous cost to the entire region. All sides must come back to the negotiation table. Freedom of navigation is under heavy pressure globally, as we see most acutely in the Strait of Hormuz. Tehran effectively closed the strait and its drones continue to threaten the maritime traffic. Ministers were clear today that Iran's actions are unacceptable. In response, EU member states in Brussels today approved sanctions against the Iranian individuals and entities involved in disrupting the transit through the Strait of Hormuz. And this is the first time EU has applied its new freedom of navigation sanctions regime. And where necessary, we'll apply it again. Our Operation Aspira is making a crucial contribution protecting shipping in the Red Sea. The latest threat by Houthis to target ships also in the Red Sea shows how important this mission is.