With the US–Israeli war in Iran now entering its third week, Europe finds itself stuck on the sidelines. From the need to protect ships carrying crucial crude oil and liquified natural gas from Iranian strikes, to staying out of a war that is already spilling over into the wider region, with attacks on critical infrastructure in Qatar, Kuwait, the UAE and Saudi Arabia; determining a course of action has been difficult.
It follows last week’s European Council Summit, which saw EU leaders call for de-escalation in the region, protection of civilians and infrastructure, as well as increased efforts and maritime defensive operations to protect EU interests.
