EU’s Costa holds Gulf talks on Iran tensions, Hormuz security

European Council President Antonio Costa launched a diplomatic trip to the Gulf region on Tuesday, holding talks with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Abu Dhabi and scheduled to meet Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Jeddah. Discussions focused on developments involving Iran, broader regional stability, and ways to enhance EU-Gulf cooperation.

EU commitment to maritime security

In a post on the US-based social media platform X, Costa expressed “gratitude” to UAE leadership for ensuring the safety of approximately 200,000 Europeans residing in the country. He stated: “The EU is committed to working with partners in the region to restore freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, guarantee the safe passage of ships around the Arabian Peninsula, and to support all diplomatic efforts for lasting peace in the Middle East.”

Three key messages to Gulf partners

Costa said he conveyed three key messages to Gulf partners: solidarity with countries facing attacks by Iran, the EU’s readiness to help safeguard maritime routes, and a commitment to strengthening ties with the Gulf Cooperation Council. His trip comes as over 3,300 people have been killed in US-Israeli airstrikes on Iran since Feb. 28. Tehran retaliated with strikes on Israel, Iraq, Jordan, and Gulf states hosting US assets before a two-week ceasefire was announced last week. US-Iran talks in Pakistan over the weekend ended without an agreement.