On Monday (16 March), the European Union’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, said she had discussed with United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres the possibility of creating an international initiative to reopen the Strait of Hormuz for oil and gas shipments amid the ongoing Iran war.
Speaking ahead of a meeting of EU foreign ministers in Brussels, Kallas said the proposal could replicate the model of the Black Sea Initiative that enabled Ukrainian grain exports during wartime. She noted that Iran has effectively shut the strait, with attacks on vessels in the strait disrupting roughly one fifth of global oil supply.
Kallas described the closure as “really dangerous” for energy markets, particularly in Asia, and warned it could also disrupt fertiliser production, potentially affecting global food security next year.
EU ministers will also discuss whether the mandate of the EU naval mission Aspides, currently focused on protecting shipping in the Red Sea from Yemen’s Houthi movement, could be adjusted to help safeguard traffic through the Strait of Hormuz. Kallas acknowledged that any change would require agreement from EU member states.
Source: commonspace.eu with Reuters
