European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas on Thursday called for an end to the war in the Middle East, warning that reported Iranian attacks on Qatar’s energy infrastructure are adding to global instability and putting vital supply routes at risk.
Speaking before a European Council meeting in Brussels, Kallas said the conflict is moving in the wrong direction and that diplomacy, not more military action, is needed. “Iran’s attacks on Qatar energy infrastructure create further chaos, and it is clear that we need an exit from this war, not escalation,” she said, according to remarks published by the European External Action Service.
Kallas said she has been in contact with Iran as part of diplomatic efforts to find alternatives to further conflict. She said she recently spoke with Iran’s foreign minister, though not every issue was addressed during that conversation, including the execution of a Swedish citizen, which she said would be raised later.
She also pointed to rising risks around the Strait of Hormuz, where the EU and the United Nations are working on ways to protect shipping. Kallas said the route is too important to remain unsafe, given its role in moving oil, gas, fertilizers and food.
“It is really a problem for especially Asia as well as Africa, that the oil, gas, but also fertilisers and food does not move from the Strait of Hormuz because it is not safe at the moment,” she said.
Kallas also tied the Middle East fighting to the war in Ukraine, saying the two crises are not separate. She said Russia benefits when instability spreads in the Middle East, making it more urgent for Europe and its partners to push for solutions on both fronts.
“The war in the Middle East is connected to the war in Ukraine, and unfortunately, Russia is gaining from the war in the Middle East,” Kallas said.
EU leaders are expected to discuss continued support for Ukraine during the summit, including a previously agreed loan package covering financial and military assistance. Kallas said the bloc must stand firmly behind Kyiv and avoid any outcome that would amount to forcing Ukraine into concessions to Russia.
Her remarks came as concerns over energy security and global trade continue to build, with European officials pressing for coordinated diplomatic action to prevent wider disruption.
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