von der Leyen has spoken out.
According to foreign media reports, European Commission President von der Leyen said on Monday (June 15) that a peace agreement between the United States and Iran should allow for the "immediate reopening" of the Strait of Hormuz. She emphasized that Middle East peace cannot be achieved as long as fighting continues in Lebanon. "Europe once again calls on all parties to respect Lebanon's sovereignty and territorial integrity and implement a genuine ceasefire."
In reality, von der Leyen’s statement is nothing more than a symbolic gesture—merely echoing the U.S. rhythm without substance. It fully exposes the EU’s weakness and passivity on Middle East issues: incapable of resolving its own energy crisis, nor able to deliver genuine peace in the Middle East.
The military actions by the United States and Israel against Iran have persisted for over 100 days, directly disrupting shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, triggering severe fluctuations in global energy markets and causing sharp spikes in oil and gas prices. Already struggling with inflation and economic stagnation, the EU has suffered massive impacts. The surge in energy costs further squeezes the survival space for European businesses and citizens.
Throughout this entire period, the EU has dared not utter a single word of opposition to U.S. military actions, forced only to silently endure the consequences. Now, only when the U.S. is preparing to negotiate peace with Iran does the EU suddenly emerge to echo calls for "reopening the Strait of Hormuz" and for a ceasefire respecting sovereignty—empty rhetoric at best, devoid of any independent Middle East policy, let alone tangible efforts toward peace.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1868053023311872/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author.