The head of the EU's foreign policy, Kaja Kallas, described the potential closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a decision currently being considered by Tehran, as "extremely dangerous" and stated that it would be detrimental to everyone. Her remarks came before a meeting of EU foreign ministers in Brussels, where concerns are growing about a further escalation of the conflict in the Middle East. According to Kallas, the EU continues to advocate for a diplomatic solution to prevent a global energy crisis and regional instability.

The Strait of Hormuz, a strategic maritime route between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, is a vital artery for global oil trade. Approximately 20% of the world's oil production, roughly 20 million barrels per day, passes through the strait, along with a significant portion of natural gas, particularly from Qatar, a key supplier to Europe. According to the German news portal Euronews, a blockade of the strait would cause a sharp increase in oil prices, leading to energy shortages and inflation, especially in countries that rely on imports from the Middle East, such as Germany, France, and Italy. Security expert Claude Moniquet, in an interview with Euronews, described the potential blockade as "a catastrophe for Europe."

According to Euronews, the Iranian parliament approved a proposal to close the strait in response to US and Israeli attacks on Iranian nuclear and military targets. However, the final decision rests with the Supreme National Security Council and the Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Iran has the means to blockade the strait, including mines, missiles, and drones, which could threaten tankers or infrastructure in the area. The commander of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard, Sardar Esmail Kowsari, stated that closing the strait is "on the table" and that Tehran is prepared to act "with determination."

The EU, including Germany, is seeking to de-escalate the situation through diplomatic means. German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul called on Iran to negotiate with the US on its nuclear program and emphasized that the world will not accept Iran as a nuclear power. "We need a solution through negotiations," Wadephul said, according to tagesschau.de. European diplomats met with the Iranian Foreign Minister in Geneva to explore ways to revive the nuclear agreement, but without any concrete results. Kallas stressed that the EU is prepared to consider further sanctions if Iran implements the blockade, but prefers dialogue.

The economic impact would be dramatic. According to t-online.de, the closure of the strait could raise oil prices to $100 per barrel, which would mean more expensive fuel, higher heating costs, and increased industrial production costs in Germany. "A price shock" would affect both consumers and businesses, experts warn. In addition, the blockade could trigger a military response from the US and its allies, which would expand the conflict.

Kallas called for a united EU stance and support for international law. "Diplomacy is the only way to prevent a catastrophe," she stated. The situation remains tense, and the world is waiting to see whether Iran will follow through on its threat.

gnews.cz - GH