European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said on Tuesday that the bloc has learned to factor in the unpredictability of the United States after a year of uncertain policies under President Donald Trump. She emphasized that Europe now approaches US decisions calmly while focusing on strategic interests.
Kallas expressed concern over the ongoing conflict in Iran and stressed the need for diplomatic solutions to keep the Strait of Hormuz open. She highlighted that no European country is willing to risk personnel in a war it did not initiate, underlining the EU’s preference for negotiation over military involvement.
Read more : Reports of US Iran contact emerge amid conflict
European ministers recently met in Brussels to discuss the EU’s naval operation, Aspides, in the Red Sea. Kallas explained that while Aspides can defend tankers against threats, its mandate does not extend to proactive action in the Strait of Hormuz, reflecting Europe’s caution.
Germany and Italy publicly resisted expanding Aspides’ mandate, indicating a reluctance to engage militarily in the Iran-US conflict. Kallas acknowledged discussions on enhancing the operation but emphasized there is no appetite among EU states to deploy troops or authorize strikes in the strait.
Read more : US airline CEOs urge Congress to end standoff, pay airport security …
Kallas also warned that Trump’s demands risk dividing Europe, stating the United States seeks to weaken the EU and its cohesion. She called for diplomatic efforts, including potential UN-led agreements similar to the Black Sea Grain Initiative, to reopen critical trade routes safely.
Furthermore, Kallas noted ongoing talks with India’s Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar and UN Secretary-General António Guterres on strategies to engage Iran and prevent global crises. She highlighted that Europe prioritizes peace and stability while avoiding unnecessary escalation in a complex regional conflict.