The European Union’s foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas has said that transit waterways like the Strait of Hormuz “must remain open and free of charge”, as per international law.

In a call with several world leaders on reopening the waterway, Kallas has stressed that Iran must abandon pay-for-passage schemes for vessels as it will set a dangerous precedent for global maritime routes.

“Europe will play its part in restoring the free flow of energy and trade, once a ceasefire takes hold,” she says on X.

Kalas adds that the EU’s Aspides naval mission is already active in the Red Sea, “and can be quickly strengthened to protect shipping across the region”.

Opinion

Trouble at home

Trouble at home

The country’s strength lies in its political and economic stability, not in fleeting moments of diplomatic success.

Editorial

Pezeshkian’s visit
Updated 24 Jun, 2026

Pezeshkian’s visit

Perhaps a good place to start would be the resumption of work on the Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline.
Telecom bill
24 Jun, 2026

Telecom bill

THERE is now no question about it: the Pakistan Telecommunication (Re-organisation) (Amendment) Bill of 2026 is a...
Updating Islamabad
24 Jun, 2026

Updating Islamabad

ISLAMABAD is growing rapidly. Its planning, however, remains stuck in bureaucratic limbo. Despite years of ...
Unsustainable growth
Updated 23 Jun, 2026

Unsustainable growth

CLICHÉS are an essential part of political rhetoric. But when repeated often, they lose their impact. So when...
Banned speeches
23 Jun, 2026

Banned speeches

NATIONAL Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq on Sunday formally lifted long-standing restrictions on the airing of ...
New GB government
23 Jun, 2026

New GB government

WITH the newly elected lawmakers of the Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly taking oath on Monday, the PPP looks set to head...