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 in Strasbourg on developments in the region.
Kallas said that recent days create ‘reasonable grounds for cautious optimism’, noting that the agreement has the potential to pave the way for more substantive talks on Iran’s nuclear program and overall regional stability. She added that, if fully implemented, the agreement is also expected to contribute to reducing pressures on global energy markets.
She stressed, however, that any settlement, in order to be sustainable, must be fully in line with international law and be accompanied by verifiable implementation mechanisms. She also underlined that the Straits of Hormuz must remain open and free from encumbrances for navigation.
The High Representative praised the mediation efforts of Pakistan and Qatar, as well as the contribution of Oman, Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Egypt, noting that their diplomatic action had been decisive in preventing a generalised conflict and in reaching the agreement.
She said that the European Union has been in contact with the countries of the region in order to explore ways to contribute to the next phase of the process, using both its economic and diplomatic influence and its expertise on issues related to Iran’s nuclear programme.
At the same time, Kallas pointed out that the greatest challenges still lie ahead, making it clear that the EU rejects any measure that would burden shipping in the Straits of Hormuz. She recalled that the EU Council recently adopted new sanctions against individuals involved in Iranian actions that threaten freedom of navigation, while the European naval operation ASPIDES continues to protect commercial ships in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.
Referring to Yemen, she underlined that the Houthis continue to pose a serious threat to shipping, adding that the EU maintains an increased naval presence in the region.
Referring to Lebanon, Kaja Kallas described the situation as “particularly fragile” and stressed the need to maintain the ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon. At the same time, she reiterated the EU’s support for the Lebanese authorities, in particular in their efforts to disarm Hezbollah.
On the Palestinian issue, she expressed concern over the plans to expand Israeli settlements in the West Bank, arguing that they are not in line with international law and undermine the prospects for a two-state solution.
The High Representative of the European Union also said that during the Foreign Affairs Council, several member states had asked the European Commission to prepare concrete proposals for possible trade measures in relation to illegal settlements. She said that she would convey this request to the College of Commissioners and ask for the preparation of a list of options, including measures that would prevent the import of products originating in illegal settlements.
At the same time, she said that she would ask the Commission to assess issues related to the rules of origin of products, a matter also raised by member states.
Kallas reiterated the EU’s firm commitment to the two-state solution as the only viable path to ending the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and achieving lasting peace in the Middle East. She stressed, however, that there was no progress in implementing a peace plan for Gaza, while the humanitarian crisis in the region was worsening.
“We cannot wait any longer,” she said, calling for immediate and unhindered humanitarian aid to be delivered to Gaza. She added that Hamas must be disarmed and that border crossings must be fully reopened, in line with the comprehensive plan under discussion.
In conclusion, the High Representative assured that the European Union will continue to work with all its partners to promote peace, security and prosperity in the Middle East, from Gaza and Lebanon to the Red Sea and the Strait of Hormuz.
Spanish EPP MEP Antonio López-Isturiz described the ceasefire as a “temporary band-aid” and not a solution, arguing that Iran’s theocratic regime remains strong and continues to pose a threat through its regional allies and organisations. He called on the EU to strengthen coordination in the areas of defence, intelligence and security, to maintain sanctions against Iran and to reduce energy dependence on Middle Eastern oil.
On his part, Portuguese MEP for the Patriots for Europe, Antonio Tanger Correa, pointed out that Europe should not confuse an agreement with peace, stressing that organizations such as Hamas and Hezbollah remain a key obstacle to stability. He called for their complete weakening and an end to funding structures that, as he said, seek the destruction of Israel.
Latvian MEP for the European Conservatives and Reformists, Rihards Kols, described any de-escalation effort as positive, but noted that an agreement with Iran is not enough on its own to ensure regional stability. He underlined the need to protect Israel’s security and strengthen cooperation with the Gulf states.
In an intervention, Cypriot ELAM and the European Conservatives and Reformists MEP, Geadis Geadi, noted that ‘in the Middle East and the wider region, there are currently two diametrically opposed paths. On the one hand, the forces of instability, fanaticism and violence, and on the other, the forces of cooperation, security and development.’
‘There are the extremist Islamic regimes, which in collaboration with the various terrorist Islamic organizations are causing chaos,’ he pointed out. ‘There is also the Republic of Cyprus, a member of the European Union, which is the key to the region, the way out of chaos,’ stressed Geadi.
‘Through every crisis, opportunities are created. One of these is the 3+1 cooperation scheme, between Greece, Cyprus, Israel, with the participation of the United States of America. A partnership created with the aim of strengthening stability, security and cooperation in the Eastern Mediterranean region, particularly in the sectors of energy, natural gas, defence and the economy,’ he said.
‘In an era of geopolitical changes, the protection of the Republic of Cyprus is a strategic necessity for Europe and the Western world,’ he concluded.
Belgian Renew MEP, Hilde Voutmans, focused on the humanitarian dimension of the conflict, citing the death of a Palestinian baby in the West Bank. She called on the EU to ban trade with Israeli settlements and increase humanitarian aid to Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank.
German Green MEP, Hanna Neumann, noted that international law must be applied consistently towards both Iran and Israel, calling for sanctions against violent settlers and the maintenance of restrictive measures against Tehran.
Irish Left MEP, Lynn Boylan, criticised the EU for inaction in the face of Israel’s violations of international law and called for a ban on trade with the settlements, arguing that the European institutions have the legal basis for such measures.
Responding on behalf of the European Commission, the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, made it clear that sanctions against Iran would remain in place. She stressed that the EU maintained a common position in favour of a two-state solution and the provision of humanitarian aid but acknowledged that there was still no unanimity among member states on trade and sanctions. She also stressed that accountability for violations and addressing the refugee issue were essential conditions for a sustainable peace in the Middle East.