EU Imposes New Sanctions on Iran While Allies Seek Trump Approval for Hormuz Demining Mission

Brussels – The European Union has approved fresh targeted sanctions on Iranian military and energy-linked figures involved in disrupting maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, even as key European allies prepare to request U.S. President Donald Trump’s backing for a multinational demining operation in the critical waterway.

The measures, announced following a meeting of EU foreign ministers, target the Hormozgan Provincial Command of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy, deputy commander Mohammad Akbarzadeh, and Hamid Hosseini of Iran’s Oil, Gas and Petrochemical Products Exporters’ Union. They include asset freezes and travel bans under the bloc’s new freedom-of-navigation sanctions framework.

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas described the sanctions as a direct response to Iran’s actions that have restricted commercial shipping in the strait, through which roughly one-fifth of global oil supplies pass. “Iran’s actions are unacceptable,” Kallas stated, noting this marks the first application of the expanded regime.

Parallel to the punitive steps, Britain and France are leading preparations for a Europe-led demining mission in the Strait of Hormuz. Military planners from more than 15 countries have developed an operationally ready plan to clear suspected Iranian mines and restore safe passage. European officials plan to seek Trump’s explicit approval at the upcoming G7 summit in Evian, France.

The UK’s Royal Fleet Auxiliary Lyme Bay, equipped with autonomous mine-hunting systems, has been conducting exercises, while France has positioned the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle nearby. Germany and Italy have also readied naval assets for potential deployment once a permissible environment exists following any U.S.-Iran peace agreement.

The dual-track approach reflects Europe’s urgent interest in reopening the strait to alleviate energy price pressures and economic fallout from the Iran conflict, while avoiding deeper direct military involvement in ongoing hostilities. Officials have emphasized the mission would follow, not precede, a durable ceasefire or deal.

Trump has previously downplayed remaining mine threats, stating U.S. forces have addressed most of them, though Secretary of State Marco Rubio has noted significant areas remain affected. European governments have stressed the need for a stable security environment before committing personnel and equipment.

The developments come amid a fragile ceasefire strained by recent exchanges between Iran, Israel, and related actors. EU leaders continue diplomatic efforts, with Kallas highlighting potential contributions to escorting ships and broader Gulf security partnerships.

Success of the demining initiative hinges on progress in U.S.-led negotiations with Iran and Trump’s endorsement, underscoring Europe’s reliance on American leadership for regional stability while attempting to demonstrate greater strategic autonomy on energy security. The G7 summit will serve as a key venue for aligning these efforts.