EU's Kallas: Middle East needs exit from war, not escalation

2026-03-19 - 10:29

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said on Thursday that the Middle East needs a cessation of the war instead of escalation amid US and Israeli strikes on Iran. "It's clear that we need an exit from this war, not escalation," Kallas said as EU leaders gather in Brussels, reflecting European concerns about the widening conflict. Condemnation of energy attacks She denounced Iran's attacks on Qatar's energy infrastructure, underlining that they "create further chaos." Iranian strikes on Qatari energy facilities this week have contributed to soaring oil prices, with Brent crude exceeding $116 per barrel amid escalating attacks on regional energy infrastructure. Ukraine connection Kallas also reiterated the need to continue supporting Ukraine, highlighting that it is connected with the war in the Middle East. "Russia is gaining from the war in the Middle East, so that's why exiting or ending this war is equally important to having a solution, also for Ukraine," she added, noting that Moscow benefits from global attention and oil price increases. No European appetite Kallas further noted that member states do not have a wish to expand Operation Aspides to the Strait of Hormuz. "The ministers were saying that we were not consulted. Some were even saying that we tried to convince parties not to start this war, and we don't know what the objectives of this war are." She added that there is no international law basis if they think about using force. "The member states do not have an appetite to go to this war," Kallas said, underscoring European reluctance to join the US-Israeli campaign. Conflict context The US and Israel launched joint attacks on Iran on Feb. 28, killing over 1,300 people according to Iranian authorities, including former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The conflict has expanded to Lebanon, displaced over one million people, and disrupted global oil markets through the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz.