EU Joins U.S. Sanctions on Iran; South Korea Weighs Military Role in Strait of Hormuz

The European Union has formally joined the United States in a new round of sanctions against Iran, signaling a major expansion of the so-called "Economic Outcast" campaign. The move tightens international pressure on Tehran amid ongoing tensions over shipping routes in the region. In a separate development, South Korea announced it is considering a military contribution to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz. That narrow waterway is a critical passage for global oil shipments, and recent disruptions have raised concerns about energy supplies. The EU’s decision aligns its member states with Washington’s tougher stance, a shift that could deepen Iran’s economic isolation. While the full scope of the sanctions has not been detailed, analysts say the coordinated action marks a rare moment of transatlantic unity on the issue. For South Korea, the potential military role would mark a significant step beyond its usual economic and diplomatic engagement. Officials in Seoul stressed that no final decision has been made, but confirmed that the option is under active review. The Strait of Hormuz remains a flashpoint. Roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil passes through it, and any prolonged closure could disrupt global markets. Both the EU sanctions and South Korea’s military deliberations come as Washington continues to push for a multilateral response to Iran’s actions in the region.