Strasbourg: The agreement reached between the United States and Iran to end the war and reopen the Strait of Hormuz could be a significant development for stability in the Middle East, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas said on Tuesday during a debate at the European Parliament on developments in the region.
According to Cyprus News Agency, Kallas emphasized the agreement's potential to facilitate more substantive discussions on Iran's nuclear program and broader regional stability. She noted that its full implementation could also alleviate pressures on global energy markets. However, she stressed the importance of the agreement aligning with international law and being supported by verifiable implementation mechanisms, ensuring the Strait of Hormuz remains open for navigation.
Kallas acknowledged the mediation efforts by Pakistan and Qatar, along with contributions from Oman, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Egypt, highlighting their role in preventing a generalized conflict and securing the agreement. She mentioned the EU's engagement with regional countries to explore contributions to the next phase, leveraging its economic and diplomatic influence and expertise on Iran's nuclear issues.
She also addressed ongoing challenges, reaffirming the EU's rejection of measures that would burden shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. The EU's recent sanctions against individuals involved in Iranian actions threatening freedom of navigation and the continued protection of commercial ships by the European naval operation ASPIDES were underscored.
Regarding Yemen, Kallas noted the Houthi threat to shipping and the EU's increased naval presence in the area. She described Lebanon's situation as fragile, urging the maintenance of the ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon and supporting Lebanese efforts to disarm Hezbollah.
On the Palestinian issue, Kallas expressed concern over Israeli settlement expansion in the West Bank, viewing it as contrary to international law and detrimental to a two-state solution. She mentioned requests from several EU member states for concrete trade measures against illegal settlements, which she plans to convey to the European Commission.
Kallas reiterated the EU's commitment to a two-state solution for lasting peace in the Middle East, highlighting the lack of progress on a Gaza peace plan and the worsening humanitarian crisis. She called for immediate humanitarian aid to Gaza, the disarmament of Hamas, and the reopening of border crossings.
In closing, Kallas assured that the EU would continue collaborating with partners to promote peace, security, and prosperity in the Middle East, encompassing regions from Gaza and Lebanon to the Red Sea and the Strait of Hormuz.