Von der Leyen urges US and Iran to resolve Hormuz crisis, warning distance offers no protection to Australia | US-Israel war on Iran
The president of the European Commission said that the United States and Iran should come to the negotiating table to immediately end the de facto closure of the Strait of Hormuz and stop hostilities in the Middle East.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said Iran’s efforts to block the strategic waterway through attacks on unarmed commercial ships and critical infrastructure “must be condemned”.
Von der Leyen, who visited Australia to sign a new free trade agreement, said an end to the war was necessary to stop increasing global economic deterioration. Approximately 20 percent of global oil supply passes through the strait.
“Iran must immediately end the threats” [the] “Mine-laying, drone and missile attacks and other attempts to close the strait to commercial shipping,” he said.
“The situation is critical for energy supply allies around the world.
“We are all feeling the knock-on effects of gas and oil prices… but it is extremely important and important that we reach a negotiated solution.” [that] “This would put an end to the hostilities we see in the Middle East.”
Later, addressing the Australian parliament, he warned that the country could no longer rely on distance to protect itself from war and chaos.
“Countries that build their economic models on the stability and security they provide are facing a new reality.
“The world we live in is brutal, harsh and unforgiving. It feels like it’s upside down. What we know for sure is being questioned. Yesterday’s comfort blanket is being torn apart.”
The comments come amid reports that Donald Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff and his son-in-law Jared Kushner have communicated with the speaker of Iran’s parliament, Mohammed Bagher Ghalibaf, about possible peace talks.
But after more than three weeks of conflict and rising oil prices hurt consumers around the world, von der Leyen likened the pain to the fallout felt in Europe after Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022.
The first foreign female political leader to address both houses of Australia’s parliament said economic shocks meant diversification was essential for advanced democracies and called on Australia and the EU to cooperate to tackle China’s export-led growth model.
“With geopolitics at boiling point, we know firsthand that the more energy you produce yourself, the quicker you will become independent and thus be able to protect yourself from energy price shocks,” von der Leyen said.
“We are in a race to electrify our economies. Future generations will judge us that way.”
The free trade agreement will allow duty-free entry into the EU for around 98% of Australian goods. Manufacturers will gain greater access to approximately 450 million consumers.
The reform of geographical indication rules will allow Australian wine and cheese producers to continue using European product names such as prosecco and feta.
Farmers will gain privileged access to beef and lamb, with tariffs removed on dairy, horticulture and manufactured goods.
European champagne, wine, spirits, biscuits, chocolates and pasta, as well as auto parts, machinery and equipment, are expected to be cheaper in Australia.
Australia has agreed to increase cooperation on critical minerals, avoiding a dual pricing structure for products deemed critical for smartphones, electronic devices and aircraft.
Australia and the EU will remove tariffs on environmental goods, including energy-efficient products, renewable energy technology and batteries.
The agreement does not include carbon border regulations or provisions on deforestation.
Australian prime minister Anthony Albanese said it would be easier to overcome geopolitical challenges thanks to increased cooperation.
He said a new defense and security agreement signed with the EU would increase cooperation in the defense industry, maritime security, cybercrime, terrorism and combating hybrid threats.
“This expresses our common commitment to stability and security based on sovereignty,” Albanese said.
Australia has also agreed to begin negotiations to enter Horizon Europe, the EU’s research and innovation funding programme.
