EU's Kallas says Hormuz in 'strange state' between war and peace

Hormuz tensions

The European Union's foreign policy chief said Thursday that the Strait of Hormuz remains in a "strange state" between war and peace, with no official agreement yet reached between the parties to the conflict. Speaking at the doorstep of an informal EU Foreign Ministers meeting in Limassol, the Greek Cypriot Administration, Kaja Kallas noted that freedom of navigation is in everyone's interest because "everybody's paying a very high price for this."

Kallas cited expectations that the parties could reach an agreement over the strategic waterway, though she acknowledged that no deal has materialized so far. The bloc's top diplomat stressed that respecting freedom of navigation remains crucial for global shipping lanes and energy markets alike.

Middle East and Ukraine

Kallas said the ministers will also discuss other aspects of the Middle East situation, how it impacts European security, and how they can cooperate on these issues. She added that they will also discuss the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, as well as possible negotiations to end the fighting.

Moscow's 'trap'

Kallas said she believes Moscow is setting a "trap" by forcing EU members to discuss who should engage with Russia rather than focusing on substantive peace efforts. She noted that the Kremlin is already deciding "who is suitable" for such talks, adding that this selective approach undermines diplomatic efforts.