Nournews: Europe, whose declining global standing is becoming more evident by the day, is struggling to cope with the economic crises resulting from what it describes as the U.S.–Israeli warmongering against Iran. At the same time, the positions of European Union officials—marked by irrational and irresponsible contradictions—not only fail to help resolve crises but may instead aggravate the situation and increase damages, with potentially disastrous consequences for the continent.
One of the key claims raised by European countries concerns restoring the situation in the Strait of Hormuz to conditions prior to what they describe as the “U.S.–Israeli military aggression against Iran.” Kaja Kallas, the European Union’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs, claimed during a press conference in Luxembourg that freedom of navigation is non-negotiable and that changing positions daily regarding the status of the Strait of Hormuz is reckless. She also stressed that passage through this waterway must remain free of charge. Earlier, the UK Home Secretary Yvette Cooper had spoken of the need to achieve a sustainable solution, emphasizing that such a solution should lead to a “toll-free Strait of Hormuz.”
These positions are presented under the claim of defending maritime rights and the principle of “transit passage,” despite the fact that Iran is not a member of the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and does not consider itself bound by the obligations arising from it, including the transit passage regime in straits. Moreover, in recent years—particularly during the Ukraine war—Europe has repeatedly played a role in detaining and confiscating Russian vessels and has even failed to adhere to agreements related to freedom of navigation. It has also refrained from adopting deterrent positions against U.S. actions aimed at restricting Iran’s maritime activities.
Alignment with Aggressors and Double Standards
European countries claim to support peace and adhere to international law, yet their practical behavior does not align with these claims. Not only have they refrained from condemning U.S. and Israeli attacks against Iran, but in some cases they have also avoided imposing sanctions on Israel.
For example, Germany’s foreign minister opposed the proposal for broad European Union sanctions against Israel, describing it as “inappropriate.” At the same time, the German government approved arms exports worth €6.6 million to Israel during a period reported to coincide with hostilities against Iran—an action widely viewed as conflicting with Germany’s domestic laws prohibiting arms exports to war zones.
Despite warnings from some European countries and waves of global protests against Israel, Europe continues to maintain a stance of support or silence, even as reports indicate that public opinion in Western countries has shifted significantly against Israel.
Europe’s Fragile Position and Economic Consequences
Europe is speaking in a demanding tone about the Strait of Hormuz while facing a fragile economic situation. Energy prices across the continent have risen to unprecedented levels, creating serious concerns. In this context, Christine Lagarde, President of the European Central Bank, has warned about the possibility of food rationing in European countries due to disruptions in fertilizer supplies resulting from regional tensions.
Under such conditions, any escalation of tensions in the Persian Gulf region could carry direct and severe consequences for Europe’s economy. Meanwhile, Iranian officials have warned that using the capacities of regional countries against Iran could have serious consequences for energy flows in the Middle East—an issue that would translate into a worsening energy crisis for Europe.
Negotiation Approaches and Contradictory Behavior
In recent days, some European officials have emphasized the necessity of Iran’s participation in negotiations with the United States. Germany’s foreign minister has called for holding talks in Islamabad and claimed that Iran should engage constructively in negotiations.
These calls are made while Europe has made no reference to U.S. violations of commitments or to military strikes carried out during ongoing diplomatic processes. It has also remained silent in the face of new sanctions against Iran. At the same time, some European officials have even spoken about military options in the region, and reports have emerged regarding military preparations in the Strait of Hormuz.
Meanwhile, the positions of certain European diplomats indicate that these countries have, in practice, aligned themselves with U.S. policies and played supportive roles during recent crises.
Overall, Europe’s recent behavior suggests that the European Union remains entangled in contradictions between its legal claims and political actions. Efforts to apply pressure through sanctions, threats, or one-sided diplomacy—while ignoring reciprocal commitments—not only fail to resolve crises but may also impose greater costs on Europe and the international system.
Under such circumstances, continuing pressure-based approaches and double standards, rather than reducing tensions, could deepen divisions and further complicate crises—an outcome that Europeans themselves are likely to be among the most affected by.
Nournews