EU Says Hormuz Blockade Sets 'Dangerous Precedence'
Speaking to reporters in Brunei, where she is participating in the 25th EU-ASEAN ministerial meeting, Kallas made clear that Europe views freedom of navigation as a non-negotiable principle with consequences that extend far beyond the Middle East.
"Freedom of navigation must remain free or it will set dangerous precedence elsewhere in the world," Kallas told reporters.
"Two months into the Iran war, diplomatic efforts have yet to produce a breakthrough," she added. "Higher energy prices hurt both Europe as well as Asia."
Addressing reporters alongside Brunei Foreign Minister Prince Mohamed Bolkiah, Kallas underscored the need for collective resolve among nations facing the spillover effects of the conflict. "In today's global landscape, none of our countries can afford to stand alone. What is happening in the Middle East makes this abundantly clear," she said.
The war was ignited on February 28, when the United States and Israel launched military operations against Iran, setting off a chain of retaliatory strikes against US-allied Gulf states. The conflict triggered the closure of the Strait of Hormuz — a critical artery for global oil and gas shipments — sending energy markets into turmoil and disrupting supply chains worldwide.
The human toll has been severe. More than 3,300 people have been killed in Iran and thousands more displaced internally. At least 13 US servicemen have also lost their lives, with dozens more wounded, before Pakistan brokered a ceasefire on April 8, bringing active hostilities to a halt.
Islamabad has since pressed forward with mediation efforts, working to bring both sides to the negotiating table for substantive talks aimed at a permanent end to the conflict. A first round of negotiations was held earlier this month in the Pakistani capital.
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