The European Council has decided to extend the scope of the EU’s restrictive measures against Tehran’s alleged military support for various regional groups.

“The amended sanctions framework will now also target individuals and entities involved in Iran’s actions and policies threatening the freedom of navigation in the Middle East,” said a statement issued by the EU Council.

It said, “Iran’s actions against vessels transiting through the Strait of Hormuz are contrary to international law. Such actions infringe upon established rights of both transit and innocent passage through international straits.”

The EU will now be able to introduce further restrictive measures in response to Iran’s actions “undermining the freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz”. These include travel restrictions and asset freezes.