Confidential message from the EU on freedom of navigation and the need for a diplomatic solution.
The risk that imposing payments for transit through the Sea Strait of Hormuz would pose was highlighted by the EU High Representative for Foreign Policy Kaya Kalas, underlining that such a development would set a “dangerous precedent” for international maritime routes.
Speaking in Brussels as part of a meeting with Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide and Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammed Mustafa, noted that the situation in the region remains extremely volatile.
As he said, “in the Strait of Hormuz there are daily changes on whether the seaway is open or closed“, which adds to the uncertainty for global shipping and the energy market.
Referring to the Middle East, Callas underlined that the “fragile ceasefires” with Iran and Lebanon create a limited timeframe for de-escalation, warning, however, that “diplomacy must pay off in the region, otherwise we will return to war“.
She stressed that beyond Tehran’s nuclear program, there are other critical issues that need to be put on the negotiating table, such as the ballistic missile programme, but also the role of regional allies, which – she noted – must be part of a comprehensive solution.
.
