European Union nations moved on Friday (May 22) towards imposing sanctions on Iranian officials and others responsible for blocking the Strait of Hormuz, the EU said. Tehran effectively closed the key shipping lane for global gas and oil in retaliation for US-Israeli strikes launched in February. Deeming the blockade "contrary to international law", EU governments took a technical step to extend the scope of its existing Iran sanctions regime, allowing for more individuals to be targeted under it. "The EU will now be able to introduce further restrictive measures in response to Iran's actions undermining the ... (full story)