EU Calls for Middle East Strike Moratorium

European Union leaders, meeting in Brussels, have called for a moratorium on military strikes against energy and water facilities in the Middle East, citing growing concerns about the impact of the Iran war on the global economy. They urged de-escalation, maximum restraint, and the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure by all parties involved. Additionally, the EU leaders called for reinforcing the bloc's existing naval missions, Aspides in the Red Sea and Atalanta in the Horn of Africa, with more assets to ensure freedom of navigation, particularly in the Strait of Hormuz. This statement comes amidst reports of joint United States and Israel strikes on Iran's South Pars gas field and Iran's retaliatory attack on a Qatari gas facility, further highlighting the escalating tensions in the region. U.S. President Donald Trump has also been pressuring allies to help secure the Strait of Hormuz.