European Union Takes Unpredictability of U.S. into Account
EU foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, stated in an interview with Reuters on Tuesday that the EU is now taking into account the unpredictability of the United States following President Donald Trump’s return to the White House one year ago.
Kallas emphasized that they are allies with America but do not understand recent U.S. moves. She added that the word “unpredictability” should be taken into account, and the EU has become more calm in expecting unpredictable events, according to Kallas.
Diplomatic Solution for Hormuz Strait Urged
In light of President Trump’s emphasis on allies sending warships to secure transit through the Strait of Hormuz amid the Iran conflict, Kallas called for diplomatic solutions. She stated that nobody is willing to put their people at risk in the Strait of Hormuz and that a diplomatic solution must be found to prevent potential food, fertilizer, and energy crises.
EU Ministers Unwilling to Engage Militarily
Kallas informed reporters on Monday that European nations are unwilling to engage militarily in a war they did not initiate. The ministers debated whether to expand the EU’s purely defensive naval operation in the region, known as Aspides, which has legal authority to defend tankers against Iran-backed Houthis but cannot take proactive military action in the Strait of Hormuz.
EU Hesitation Risks White House Aggravation
Kallas acknowledged a desire to enhance the operation but emphasized there is no appetite to extend its mandate to the Strait of Hormuz. Her comments followed Germany and Italy’s public reluctance to authorize Aspides ships to fire on vessels, with Kallas warning that Europe’s hesitation could aggravate the White House.
EU Focuses on Diplomacy for Conflict Resolution
The EU remains focused on diplomacy and hopes the United Nations will play a central role in resolving the conflict. Kallas discussed strategies to engage with Iran during her meeting with Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, who was also present at the Brussels summit.
Kallas also spoke with UN Secretary-General António Guterres about the possibility of a UN-backed agreement to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, similar to the Black Sea Grain Initiative established after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.