At its summit on 18 and 19 June, the European Council is expected to commit to continuing its engagement in diplomatic efforts aimed at contributing to de-escalation and regional stability in the Middle East, welcoming ongoing efforts and calling on “all parties to exercise maximum restraint, respect the current ceasefire and continue negotiations in view of reaching a peace settlement”.
According to draft conclusions dated Monday 8 June and obtained by Agence Europe, the European Council stresses the importance of seeking a negotiated resolution to all outstanding issues, “starting by ensuring the full restoration of the freedom of navigation and safe transit through the Strait of Hormuz”. On this point, the leaders are expected to note the potential contribution of the EU operation ASPIDES to stabilising the region, and to call for it to be strengthened, in line with its mandate. “Any agreement related to the Strait of Hormuz must not limit freedom of navigation or alter its governance in any way”, they also warned.
The European Council is expected to call on Iran and its allies to cease these attacks immediately and to respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the countries of the region. “Iran must never be allowed to acquire a nuclear weapon”, it adds, urging the country to respect its international obligations and to put an end to its destabilising activities, including its ballistic missile programme.
Lastly, the EU promises that it will continue working to counter the consequences of the ongoing conflict, notably as regards energy and global supply chains.
See the draft conclusions: https://aeur.eu/f/m8u (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)