Gulf Nations Express Concerns Over Potential Iran Civil War, EU Foreign Chief States
Gulf states are concerned that Iran may spiral into civil war due to rising tensions, according to the EU foreign chief.
Kaja Kallas, the European Union foreign chief, has expressed that Gulf countries are concerned about the potential for civil war in Iran due to rising tensions with the United States and Israel.
“When we engage with the countries in the region, they express concerns about potential civil wars within Iran due to the current regime’s leadership and the ongoing situation there,” Kallas stated prior to a video conference with EU foreign ministers and representatives of the Gulf Cooperation Council.
The European Union is advocating for a diplomatic resolution. “Conflicts ultimately conclude through diplomatic means, and it is essential to allow space for diplomacy to break free from this cycle of escalation,” she stated.
Kallas expressed that the EU is “extremely worried” about maritime security in the region and is actively working to ensure that routes like the Strait of Hormuz remain open. She observed that, given the EU’s limited reliance on Gulf oil, the recent attacks in that region have not significantly affected the EU’s oil supply in the short term.
The conflict has heightened tensions between the United States and Spain, as Washington has threatened trade repercussions due to Madrid’s refusal to permit US aircraft to utilize jointly operated bases in southern Spain for operations against Tehran. Spain has condemned the bombings of Iran by the US and Israel as irresponsible and unlawful. The White House stated that Spain had consented to cooperate, yet Madrid has refuted this claim.
Kallas expressed optimism regarding the dispute, hoping that Washington would honor the trade agreement established last year, which is applicable to all EU member states.
