EU Calls for Full Reopening of Strait of Hormuz Without Tolls
EU ambassador Lambrinidis tells UN Security Council any Hormuz arrangement must fully reopen the strait without tolls, service fees or discrimination, citing UNCLOS.
The story in focus
At a UN Security Council open debate, EU Ambassador Stavros Lambrinidis said any arrangement for the Strait of Hormuz must include its full reopening without tolls, service fees or discrimination. He reiterated support for US-Iran diplomatic efforts and warned of supply chain disruption.
- The EU called for the full reopening of the Strait of Hormuz without tolls, service fees or discriminatory limitations.
- The statement backed ongoing US-Iran diplomacy and warned of risks to global supply chains for energy, fertilisers and food.
- The EU condemned an attack on Riyadh's airport and urged the Houthis to stop all attacks and comply with UNSC resolutions 2722 and 2826.
Hormuz conditions and maritime security
The EU said freedom of navigation and safe transit through the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea must be preserved under international law. It said any arrangement concerning the Strait should respect UNCLOS. The EU position requires the strait's full reopening without tolls, service fees, discrimination or any limitation hindering transit passage, as pledged by the EU, its member states and partner countries on 12 October.
The statement warned that the current situation risks lasting disruptions to global supply chains, especially energy, fertilisers and food, with consequences for vulnerable populations.
Diplomacy and regional conflicts
The EU welcomed diplomatic efforts between the US and Iran and commended regional partners. It called on all parties to negotiate constructively and avoid renewed hostilities. It said a sustainable resolution of issues with Iran can only come through negotiations and offered its economic leverage, nuclear expertise and maritime security engagement in support.
The EU strongly condemned the attack against Riyadh's airport and called on the Houthis to end all attacks inside and outside Yemen, including against Saudi Arabia and commercial shipping in the Red Sea, and to comply with UNSC Resolutions 2722 (2024) and 2826 (2026). It also condemned Houthi detentions of UN, NGO, civil society and diplomatic personnel and called for their immediate release. The EU said its Operation Aspides has protected over 720 vessels crossing Bab el Mandeb.
Gaza and the two-state solution
The EU expressed concern about insufficient implementation of the ceasefire and the lack of progress by all actors on other provisions of UNSCR 2803. It called for the permanent disarmament of Hamas and other non-state armed groups, the full withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza and deployment of a temporary International Stabilisation Force under the Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza Conflict. It said it stands ready to support the peace plan, including through EUBAM Rafah, EUPOL COPPS and the Team Gaza initiative.
The EU said it is ready to support Palestinian elections, including by deploying an Election Observation Mission, after the Palestinian Authority postponed legislative elections to September 2027 and a presidential vote due in early 2027.
What does the EU say any Strait of Hormuz arrangement must include?
The EU says any arrangement must include the full reopening of the Strait of Hormuz without tolls, service fees, discrimination or any limitation hindering the right of transit passage, in line with UNCLOS.
Sources & further reading
- EU Statement – UN Security Council Open Debate: Situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question ↗eeas.europa.eu
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