As the crisis in the Persian Gulf deepens, the European Union has announced that it is reviewing options to ensure freedom of navigation. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas stated ahead of a meeting of foreign ministers in Brussels that keeping the Strait of Hormuz open is a “primary interest” for the bloc.
“It is in our interest that the Strait of Hormuz remains open,” Kallas said, referring to multiple reports of ships being attacked since the start of the conflict.
This EU initiative comes as U.S. President Donald Trump has increased pressure on allies. Trump warned that any NATO member failing to support the protection of this key maritime route, through which roughly 20% of global oil passes, would be acting “very badly for the future of the Alliance.”
The situation has also prompted action in London. Downing Street confirmed on Sunday that Trump spoke by phone with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Both leaders agreed on the critical importance of reopening the Strait of Hormuz to alleviate severe disruptions in global maritime transport.
