Pressure on Iran, Israel

West Asia crisis | EU and UK step up pressure over regional security, illegal settlements and Strait of Hormuz tensions

The EU is responding to disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz and regional waterways. 

Kaja Kallas

EU sanctions entities, people linked to Iran

The European Union will, for the first time, impose sanctions linked to threats against freedom of navigation, targeting individuals and entities associated with Iran, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas announced on June 8.

Kallas said the measures are aimed at those responsible for disrupting vessel transit through the Strait of Hormuz and other regional waterways. She did not identify the individuals or organisations that will be sanctioned but said the restrictions would target those involved in actions undermining freedom of navigation.

The move marks the first use of an EU sanctions mechanism specifically designed to address maritime security threats. While the bloc had previously approved the legal framework for such measu­res, Kallas’s announcement signals the start of implementation. The decision comes amid heightened tensions in the region and the strait. The sanctions underscore the EU’s efforts to safeguard international shipping lanes and respond to actions seen as threatening freedom of navigation in the Gulf region.

West Bank Settlement: UK preps Israel curbs

137 Labour MPs urge tougher UK action over alleged Palestinian rights violations. 

Britain is preparing a package of sanctions targeting entities linked to Israel’s proposed E1 settlement project in the occupied West Bank, amid growing international concern that the development could undermine prospects for a two-state solution, The Guardian reported.

The UK Foreign Office, alongside eight other countries including France and Australia, is expected to announce measures aimed at discouraging companies from participating in the project. The proposed development includes more than 3,000 homes between Jerusalem and Ma’ale Adumim.

The move follows a joint statement issued by the nine countries warning businesses against bidding for E1 construction tenders, citing legal and reputational risks and describing the project as a serious breach of international law. The sanctions package is also expected to target entities linked to settler violence in the West Bank. However, it remains unclear whether Britain will impose a full ban on trade with Israeli settlements.

The development comes amid mounting pressure on the Labour government, with 137 Labour MPs urging Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper to take stronger action against what they described as escalating violations against Palestinians in the occupied territories.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot has also called for sanctions against companies and organisations that support extremist settlers involved in violence and displacement of Palestinians.