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"European Commission Vice President Kaja Kallas said in Brussels on Monday that the EU had agreed on new sanctions targeting 'Israeli extremist settlers' and 'Hamas figures', while also expanding Iran-related sanctions over threats to freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. "We move from the political deadlock that was there for a long time. Violence and extremism carry consequences. [...] I'm happy that we were able to put sanctions on the violent settlers and agree on that today because it has been on the table for quite some time," Kallas said. "The Iran hardliner grip on the world's most important energy shipping line is untenable. The EU is expanding its Iran sanctions to also include those responsible for obstructing the freedom of navigation," she added. Officials said the measures were designed to apply more targeted pressure on individuals and groups seen as fuelling instability. The breakthrough follows months of internal divisions inside the EU, including Hungary's long-standing blockage of the package, which was eventually lifted, allowing the agreement to go through. It comes after a meeting of EU foreign ministers in Brussels, where officials coordinated a set of foreign policy measures across several conflict zones, including the Middle East and Ukraine. Kallas also said ministers discussed steps to restrict trade linked to what she described as illegal Israeli settlements, adding that several EU countries had urged the issue to be taken forward. Diplomatic disagreements had previously delayed the decision, with some member states pushing for stronger action while others warned against escalating tensions with Israel. Meanwhile, concern over maritime security in the Gulf has intensified following repeated disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, a key global energy route carrying around one-fifth of the world's oil."
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