Kaja Kallas, the foreign affairs chief of the European Union, has pointed out that Gulf countries are increasingly apprehensive about the possibility of a civil war breaking out in Iran due to rising tensions with both the United States and Israel.
"When we engage with nations in the region, there is significant concern regarding civil conflicts within Iran, triggered by the current leadership and ongoing events," Kallas remarked prior to a video conference involving EU foreign ministers and representatives from the Gulf Cooperation Council.
The European Union is advocating for a diplomatic resolution to the situation. "Ultimately, wars culminate in diplomacy, and it is essential to carve out space for diplomatic efforts to escape this cycle of escalation," she mentioned.
Kallas also expressed the EU's deep concern regarding maritime security in the area, emphasizing efforts to ensure the safety of shipping routes like the Strait of Hormuz. She pointed out that since the EU does not rely heavily on Gulf oil, the recent attacks in the region have not significantly impacted the EU's oil supply in the short term.
The ongoing conflict has heightened tensions not only with Iran but also between the United States and Spain. Washington has warned of potential trade repercussions due to Spain's refusal to permit U.S. aircraft to utilize jointly operated bases in southern Spain for missions targeting Tehran. In contrast, Spain has condemned U.S. and Israeli airstrikes on Iran, labeling them as reckless and illegal. The White House maintains that Spain has agreed to cooperate, a claim denied by Madrid.
In response to questions about this dispute, Kallas expressed hope that Washington will honor the trade agreement established last year, which applies to all EU member nations.
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