EU, UN Sideline Trump, Explore Alternative Plan to Open Hormuz

European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said Monday that she has discussed with the United Nations the possibility of creating an international arrangement to restore shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, drawing inspiration from the wartime agreement that allowed Ukrainian grain exports through the Black Sea.

Speaking to reporters in Brussels before a meeting of EU foreign ministers, Kallas said she had raised the idea with UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres as global energy supplies remain heavily disrupted by the ongoing war with Iran.

“I had talks with Antonio Guterres about whether it was possible to also have the same kind of initiative like we had with the Black Sea Initiative,” Kallas said.

The proposal comes as the Strait of Hormuz remains largely choked off after weeks of attacks on shipping linked to the war between the United States, Israel, and Iran. The narrow passage between Iran and Oman normally carries roughly one fifth of the world’s oil supply.

Recent incidents have underscored the growing risks to commercial shipping. Among them was the attack on the chemical tanker Mayuree Naree earlier in the conflict, an incident that highlighted the vulnerability of civilian vessels traveling through the strategic waterway.

Kallas warned that the disruption threatens both global energy markets and agricultural production.

“This is really dangerous for energy supplies to Asia,” she said, noting that reduced energy flows could also disrupt fertilizer production. “If there is a lack of fertilizers this year, there is going to be food deprivation next year.”

European officials are now examining whether a diplomatic mechanism similar to the Black Sea grain corridor could help guarantee safe passage for energy shipments through the strait.

EU ministers are also expected to discuss whether the bloc’s naval mission in the region could play a role in protecting shipping.

The operation, known as Aspides, currently focuses on protecting vessels in the Red Sea from attacks by the Yemen based Houthi terrorists. Some European governments are considering whether the mission’s mandate could be expanded to address the crisis in the Strait of Hormuz.

At the same time, the United States is pursuing a separate approach. President Donald Trump has called for a multinational naval coalition to reopen the strait and has urged countries that rely heavily on Gulf oil to contribute forces to protect the shipping route.

Trump has argued that nations benefiting from energy shipments through the strait should help secure it, saying allies must “protect their own territory” and ensure global energy flows continue despite the ongoing conflict.

Kallas acknowledged that any European involvement will depend on agreement among EU member states.

“It is in our interest to keep the Strait of Hormuz open,” she said. “But we also need the member states on board.”