EU foreign ministers will discuss the possible revision of the mandate of the EU naval operation Aspides in the Red Sea, including its potential expansion to the Persian Gulf, as well as further steps on Iran and developments in the Middle East, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said ahead of the EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting in Brussels, accordmng
"We are discussing freedom of navigation and the Aspides operation - whether there is readiness to adjust operational plans so that we could participate in demining and escorting ships in the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz area," she told journalists.
Kallas said the EU continues to support a diplomatic resolution regarding Iran and is in contact with mediators and Gulf countries.
"We support a diplomatic solution and are engaging with countries that are mediating between the two sides," she said.
She stressed that the EU"s concerns go beyond Iran"s nuclear program, citing regional security threats.
"This is not only about the nuclear issue, where we have already offered our expertise, as we have specialists who participated in the nuclear deal negotiations. It is also about other threats Iran poses to neighbouring countries - proxy groups, its missile program, as well as hybrid and cyber activity in Europe," Kallas said.
She added that the EU sees itself as part of the Gulf security architecture, calling the region a "direct neighbourhood" for Europe.
Kallas also said that stopping the war and ensuring safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz remain top priorities.
On sanctions policy in the Middle East, she expressed hope for progress on measures targeting radical Israeli settlers.
"I very much hope we can reach a political agreement on sanctions against Israeli settlers; this proposal has been on the table for a long time," she said.
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