EU joins U.S. Iran sanctions drive as Seoul considers Hormuz deployment

The European Union formally joined the U.S.-led Operation Economic Outcast to sever Iran from the global financial system, expanding Washington’s economic pressure alongside Brussels’ existing sanctions regime; U.S. officials urged broader financial isolation of Tehran. Separately, South Korea is weighing a military role to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz, though no decision has been made. The Gulf region remains volatile, with a naval blockade, recent strikes, and Iranian retaliation shaping the broader conflict.