The European Union’s top diplomat has warned that any move by Iran to close the Strait of Hormuz in retaliation for recent US strikes on its nuclear facilities would be “extremely dangerous” and risk further escalation of the conflict.
Speaking as EU foreign ministers gathered in Brussels for talks dominated by the Iran-Israel crisis, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said, “Concerns of retaliation and this war escalating are huge. Especially the closing of the Strait of Hormuz by Iran is something that would be extremely dangerous and not good for anybody.”
The narrow waterway, a vital artery for global oil shipments, sees around one-fifth of the world’s oil supply pass through its waters.
Analysts have suggested Tehran may consider blocking the strait as a potential response to Washington’s airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites early Sunday.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has called on China to play a role in deterring Tehran from disrupting the crucial shipping route.
The European Union (EU) has been consistently urging restraint and de-escalation since the United States became directly involved in the conflict between Israel and Iran.
Over the weekend, the EU called on all parties to step back from the brink and return to the negotiating table.
“Ministers are very much focused on the diplomatic solution,” Kallas emphasised on Monday. She also confirmed that European diplomatic efforts are ongoing, following recent talks in Geneva where she, along with foreign ministers from France, Germany, and Britain, met with Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.
“There has to be a diplomatic solution. When Iran is willing to talk to us, I think we have to use this opportunity,” Kallas stressed.
France, Germany, and Britain issued a joint statement on Sunday, calling on Tehran to refrain from taking further steps that could destabilise the region.
France’s Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot, speaking in Brussels, underlined Europe’s unique role in mediating with Iran.
“There is no lasting military solution to this problem. Only negotiations can enable us to place long-term limits on Iran’s nuclear programme,” he said.
“Europe can bring its experience, its competence, and its fine knowledge of these questions to open a space for negotiations,” Barrot added.
He firmly rejected the idea of regime change by force, warning, “It would be illusory and dangerous to think such a shift can be achieved with bombs.”
