European Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen, has said it is time to begin negotiations with Iran to help bring an end to the ongoing war in the Middle East.
Ursula spoke on Monday at the end of a new free-trade deal between the EU and Australia.
She noted that the energy supply situation is very serious for allies around the world.
“We all experience the knock-on effects on gas and oil prices, our businesses, and our societies, but it is crucial that we reach a negotiated solution that ends the hostilities in the Middle East,” she said.
When asked about the role European countries will play in the Strait of Hormuz, including after it opens, von der Leyen said that EU leaders had stated they could take part in an operation once the fighting stops.
“The leaders from the European Union have made it clear that once the fighting stops, they might consider carrying out an operation or a mission,” she said.
“But of course, it is not for me to judge their decision to provide the necessary capabilities in the Strait of Hormuz,” she added.
