EU Backs U.S. Sanctions on Iran as South Korea Considers Hormuz Role

The European Union has officially aligned itself with the United States in a comprehensive sanctions drive against Iran, while South Korea evaluates potential military involvement to facilitate the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. This diplomatic and strategic convergence comes as Washington intensifies pressure on Tehran across both economic and military dimensions.

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent commended the EU’s participation in “Operation Economic Outcast,” describing it as a critical effort to isolate Iran from the global financial system. Speaking on social media on Thursday, Bessent stated, “We appreciate their strong and early stance,” adding that the international community is delivering an unequivocal signal to the Iranian leadership: the campaign will continue until all remaining financial lifelines are cut.

The bloc’s endorsement follows a statement issued by Brussels on August 31, in which the EU expressed support for initiatives aimed at curbing what it termed Tehran’s “destabilizing activities” and reviving peace negotiations. The statement highlighted Operation Economic Outcast as a mechanism to impose further economic strain on the Islamic regime. This alignment was announced as finance ministers and central bank governors from the Group of 20 convened in Asheville, North Carolina, earlier in the week.

Bessent emphasized that the Trump administration remains steadfast in its alliance with partner nations to prevent Iran from leveraging the global financial infrastructure to fund its nuclear program, weapons development, and proxy terror groups. Launched in late August, the operation targets Iranian access to digital assets, advanced technology procurement, gold reserves, and sectors involving commercial aviation and shipping.

Iranian officials have strongly rejected the new measures. Esmail Baghaei, spokesperson for Iran’s foreign ministry, condemned the EU’s decision to support what he characterized as Washington’s “economic terrorism.” In a post dated September 1, Baghaei accused the European bloc of surrendering its sovereignty, legal frameworks, and ethical standards to American coercion.