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”.