EU foreign ministers say Iran negotiations should not be limited to nuclear issues

The EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kallas, said on the 24th in Nicosia, the capital of Cyprus, that conflicts in the Middle East are affecting all parties, and that any negotiations on the Iran issue should not be limited to nuclear matters. Before attending an informal meeting of EU leaders that day, Kallas told the media that if the relevant negotiations focus only on nuclear issues and nuclear experts are absent from the negotiation table, the agreement ultimately reached may be weaker than the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (the Iran nuclear deal). She also said that if it is not possible to effectively address other security concerns in the region, the Iran issue may become even more challenging.

When discussing the Strait of Hormuz, Kallas said that all parties attending the meeting believe freedom of navigation is “non-negotiable,” and that the Strait of Hormuz must remain open and unobstructed. Kallas said that EU leaders have discussed strengthening existing actions by establishing a new “voluntary alliance,” such as the “Shield” operation set up to protect commercial shipping in the Red Sea. The new “voluntary alliance” should make use of existing mission frameworks and expand and strengthen them, adding the ships, equipment, and capabilities required to maintain navigation security.

The informal meeting of EU leaders was held in Cyprus on the 23rd and 24th, focusing on the Iran conflict and the energy crisis it has triggered, and will also discuss issues such as EU common defense. On the afternoon of the 24th, EU leaders will also discuss the situation in the Middle East with leaders from the Middle East region. (Xinhua)