The EU’s top foreign policy official, Kaja Kallas has bemoaned wars in the Middle East, saying that the region is “stuck in phases of peace talks and fragile ceasefires.”

Her remarks come after Iran and Israel traded strikes in the worst flare-up of violence since the April truce came into effect.

“Tehran’s drones continue to threaten maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz. Ministers were clear that Iran’s actions are unacceptable.”
Kaja Kallas

Also, Kallas said that EU member states sanctioned Iranians over restricting naval traffic in the critical waterway, which Tehran has effectively closed since the outbreak of war in February.

Today, the European Union imposed sanctions on two Iranian individuals and a unit of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) in the first use of the bloc’s new framework designed to safeguard freedom of navigation in international waterways.

The measures target the Hormozgan Provincial Command of the IRGC Navy, as well as Mohammad Akbarzadeh, the Navy’s Deputy Commander for political affairs, and Hamid Hosseini, a representative of Iran’s Oil, Gas and Petrochemical Products Exporters’ Union.

Announcing the move during an informal meeting of European defense ministers in Greek Cyprus, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas described Iran’s actions in the strait as unacceptable and confirmed that member states had approved sanctions against those involved in obstructing transit through the waterway. “This is the first time the EU has applied its new freedom of navigation regime and when necessary we will apply it again,” Kallas stated.

According to the EU, the IRGC Navy has taken control of shipping movements in the Strait of Hormuz by screening vessels, determining which ships may pass and, in some cases, requiring transit fees. The bloc contends that these actions undermine freedom of navigation and threaten commercial shipping in the region.

The sanctions include an asset freeze and travel ban on Akbarzadeh, whom the EU accused of threatening to use missiles or drones against vessels transiting the strait. Hosseini was sanctioned for promoting the toll system imposed on passing ships.

The sanctions follow shipping restrictions introduced by Iran after the war with the U.S. and Israel began on Feb. 28. EU officials argue that the measures have disrupted lawful transit through the strait and contributed to an energy shock across European economies.

Kallas also noted that Ministers would discuss additional steps related to maritime security, including the EU’s naval operations in the region and efforts to address risks posed by Russia’s so-called shadow fleet.

Addressing the broader situation in the Middle East, Kallas urged restraint following renewed escalation in the region and reiterated the EU’s support for a diplomatic solution.

She argued that Iran and the United States ultimately need to reach an agreement to ease tensions and restore normal shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. “The region does not need escalation,” Kallas said, adding that the parties should return to negotiations and work toward a ceasefire before tackling more complex issues.

Overnight, UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper also called on Iran and Israel to “show restraint and de-escalate immediately.”

“The resumption of conflict between Iran and Israel is in no one’s interest. Negotiations must continue towards the lasting settlement that we all need, for peace and stability in the region, and for the full restoration of global trade.”
Yvette Cooper

Iran Suspends Military Operations Against Israel

In other development, Iran said that it has suspended military operations against Israel but warned it would resume them if strikes continue, including in southern Lebanon, where Israel is conducting ongoing operations. “The powerful Armed Forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran, in support of the oppressed people of Lebanon, delivered a painful response to this regime (Israel),” Iran’s military said in a statement cited by an Iranian news agency.

“Should the aggressions and hostile acts continue – including in southern Lebanon – far more severe and crushing measures than before will be forthcoming.”
Iran’s military

Meanwhile, the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office said in a message to Government Ministers earlier today that Israel “will not accept the regime in Tehran’s attempt to create a new equation,” whereby strikes on targets in a Hezbollah stronghold in Beirut “are met with Iranian attacks on population centers in Israel.” “We will continue to operate throughout Lebanon, as required, to remove the Hezbollah terror threat to our citizens,” the message said.