The European Union (EU) does not understand the United States' objectives regarding Iran and maintains that there is no legal basis for the use of military force in the region.
Operative Information Center-OMM reports that these remarks were made by Kaja Kallas, the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, following discussions regarding maritime security.
“Specifically, there was a discussion about whether there was a desire to expand the operation to the Strait of Hormuz. There was no such desire because ministers stated they had not been consulted. Some even said they were trying to persuade the parties not to start this war, and we do not know what the goals of this war are. Furthermore, there is no legal basis in international law for the use of force,” Kallas stated.
The statement follows a call from US President Donald Trump for nations including China, France, Japan, South Korea, and the United Kingdom to deploy naval vessels to the Strait of Hormuz to restore and secure shipping lanes. While Washington views the move as essential for global energy security, major European powers including Germany and France have already rejected the proposal. Kallas emphasized that EU member states are currently not prepared to send their warships to the strategic waterway.
The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world's most critical chokepoints for global oil transit, linking Middle Eastern petroleum producers with key markets in Asia, Europe, and North America. Tensions in the region have historically led to fluctuations in global energy prices and heightened diplomatic friction between Western powers and Tehran. The EU's current stance reflects a preference for diplomatic de-escalation and adherence to international maritime law over direct military intervention.
