EU Urges US and Israel to End Iran War Amid Rising Tensions

On March 17, 2026, European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas called on the United States and Israel to put an end to their ongoing war with Iran. Speaking in Brussels, Kallas highlighted the EU's commitment to consulting with Middle Eastern governments to bring the conflict to a resolution. She stated, "Absolutely. I think ... it would be in the interest of everybody if this war stops. The problem with wars is that it's easier to start than to stop them, and it always gets out of hand."

The EU's position comes as multiple European nations have rebuffed U.S. President Donald Trump's requests to participate in a mission aimed at freeing the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial transit point for oil and gas that is currently under significant strain due to Iranian actions. European leaders have expressed their unwillingness to place their forces in harm's way in a conflict they did not initiate, despite warnings from Trump that such reluctance could have negative repercussions for NATO.

Kallas noted that Europe has grown increasingly accustomed to the unpredictability of U.S. foreign policy since Trump returned to the White House in January 2025. "Of course, we are allies with America, but we don't really understand their moves recently," she said. "I think it is pretty clear after this one year that the word that we have to take into account is unpredictability. So we are now more calm because we are expecting the unpredictable things to happen all the time, and take it as it is, put some ice in our hats and be calm and stay focused," Kallas added.

The ongoing conflict has already begun to impact Europe, particularly through rising energy prices linked to Iran's control over the Strait of Hormuz. Kallas remarked, "Nobody is ready to put their people in harm's way in the Strait of Hormuz. We have to find ... diplomatic ways to keep this open so that we don't have a ... food crisis, fertilizers crisis, energy crisis in the world." She suggested that the EU could explore a diplomatic approach similar to a U.N.-brokered grain deal that allows Ukraine to export its grain without civilian vessels coming under fire from Russia.

Kallas further emphasized that the EU is not interested in pursuing energy agreements with Russia, stating, "I've been behind those closed doors and I don't see this appetite. And when we talk to Russia, of course, the most important thing is to first agree what we want to talk to them about." She warned that reverting to 'business as usual' with Russia could lead to more conflicts, stating, "We have seen this before. So we have to be very vigilant and not actually give Russia what they want, because their appetite will only grow." This sentiment reflects the EU's broader strategy of avoiding entanglements that could exacerbate tensions in the region.

In a related decision, EU ministers supported Kallas's stance to decline the extension of the EU Aspides mission into the Strait of Hormuz, which would have expanded the EU's military presence in the area. This decision is seen as a way to maintain the current oil risk premium and avoid further escalation of tensions. The lack of EU naval expansion has raised concerns among shipping insurers, who are now pricing higher risks into their premiums, which could lead to increased energy costs across Europe.

The implications of this decision are particularly significant for energy importers like Germany, which could face heightened cost uncertainty and inflation pressures linked to the Strait of Hormuz situation. As Kallas pointed out, the ongoing war and the resulting energy crisis are likely to have ripple effects on various sectors, including transportation and utilities, potentially leading to higher prices for consumers.

With the backdrop of rising tensions and the complexities of international diplomacy, Kallas's remarks signal a shift in how the EU is navigating its relationships with both the U.S. and Middle Eastern countries. The EU's focus on diplomatic solutions rather than military interventions reflects a broader strategy to manage conflicts without further exacerbating existing tensions.

As the situation develops, Kallas's call for a diplomatic resolution and her warning against the dangers of returning to previous energy arrangements with Russia will remain crucial for shaping Europe's foreign policy. With the stakes high in the Strait of Hormuz, the EU's approach may set the tone for future engagements in the region, balancing the need for security with the imperative of maintaining stable energy supplies.

The EU's commitment to consulting with regional partners, including Gulf countries, Jordan, and Egypt, underscores its intention to play a constructive role in addressing the conflict. Kallas's assertion that the EU is willing to help "diplomatically to bring the parties together to really stop this war" reflects an understanding that long-term solutions require collaboration and compromise among all involved parties.

As Europe grapples with the implications of the ongoing war and its impact on energy prices and security, Kallas's leadership will be pivotal in navigating these complex dynamics. The EU's stance of prioritizing diplomacy over military action may not only help to stabilize the situation in the Strait of Hormuz but also redefine its relationships with both the U.S. and Iran moving forward.