EU Strengthens Gulf Ties, Urges Strait of Hormuz Reopening Amid Iran War
European Council President Antonio Costa concluded a high-level tour of Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar, marking the highest-level EU visit to the Gulf since the onset of the Iran war. In Doha, Costa emphasized the need for deeper strategic partnerships between the EU and Gulf states, highlighting Europe's military support and ongoing free trade negotiations. He identified two critical priorities: securing a stable ceasefire following recent US-Iran talks brokered by Pakistan, and urgently reopening the Strait of Hormuz to restore global supply chains. Costa warned that continued blockades would have disastrous economic consequences worldwide. The EU plans to hold a second summit with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) by year-end to deliver concrete results. While praising Qatar as an honest broker for peace, Costa reaffirmed the EU's commitment to regional stability and the protection of European citizens. The visit underscores a reshaped Middle East landscape where Europe aims to be a reliable partner against Iranian aggression and proxy destabilization, ensuring freedom of navigation in vital maritime arteries like the Red Sea and Strait of Hormuz.
Wire timeline
EU Strengthens Gulf Ties, Urges Strait of Hormuz Reopening Amid Iran War
European Council President Antonio Costa concluded a high-level tour of Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar, marking the highest-level EU visit to the Gulf since the onset of the Iran war. In Doha, Costa emphasized the need for deeper strategic partnerships between the EU and Gulf states, highlighting Europe's military support and ongoing free trade negotiations. He identified two critical priorities: securing a stable ceasefire following recent US-Iran talks brokered by Pakistan, and urgently reopening the Strait of Hormuz to restore global supply chains. Costa warned that continued blockades would have disastrous economic consequences worldwide. The EU plans to hold a second summit with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) by year-end to deliver concrete results. While praising Qatar as an honest broker for peace, Costa reaffirmed the EU's commitment to regional stability and the protection of European citizens. The visit underscores a reshaped Middle East landscape where Europe aims to be a reliable partner against Iranian aggression and proxy destabilization, ensuring freedom of navigation in vital maritime arteries like the Red Sea and Strait of Hormuz.
News | Euronews RSS