The Middle East and the US-Iran agreement: Kallas says “there are grounds for cautious optimism”

Brussels – The Middle East was given some, albeit limited, attention during the European Parliament’s plenary session in Strasbourg. “There are grounds for cautious optimism—declared today (16 June) Kaja Kallas, Vice-President of the European Commission and High Representative for the EU’s Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, before MEPs—and the announcement of the agreement between the United States and Iran to end the war and reopen the Strait of Hormuz could represent a turning point.” The agreement has the potential, according to Kallas, to open “more in-depth talks on other critical issues, including Iran’s nuclear programme and regional stability.” Once fully implemented, “it should also help to ease pressure on global energy markets.” 

Yesterday, the United States and Iran announced that they had reached an agreement, which is due to be signed on 19 June in Switzerland. Details regarding the scope and timing of the memorandum are still emerging, but “one thing is clear: for any agreement to be sustainable, it must be fully compliant with international law, and its implementation must be verifiable,” said Kallas. 

The Vice-President praised the mediation efforts led by Pakistan and Qatar, as well as the involvement of Oman, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Egypt. “Over the past few days, I have spoken with many of my counterparts in these countries,” she said, “to explore how the EU can contribute to the next phase.” From economic leverage and technical expertise on nuclear issues to broader diplomatic engagement, “the EU is ready to support a sustainable resolution that promotes regional stability while safeguarding our interests and security.” Kallas remained cautious, noting that “the most difficult phase of this process is still ahead of us.” 

The High Representative then turned her attention to the situation in Lebanon, which “requires continued international attention while a comprehensive agreement is being implemented.” The ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel “must hold,” she added, “because it represents an opportunity to end the conflict, make way for diplomacy, and create the conditions for a sustainable de-escalation.” 

The civilian populations in Israel and Lebanon “deserve peace and stability”, and the EU must “continue to focus its full attention on the situation in Gaza and the West Bank,” she stated. Kallas also commented on the issue of Israeli settlements in the West Bank: “They are not in line with international law and further undermine the prospects of a two-state solution.” And regarding trade with the illegal settlements, Kallas reported that at the Foreign Affairs Council “a large number of Member States asked the Commission for concrete proposals. I will take this request to the College meeting and ask the Commission to prepare, ahead of the next Foreign Affairs Council, a list of options for possible trade measures, including measures to prevent imports of goods from illegal settlements.” 

The EU remains “firmly committed to the two-state solution as the only viable path towards a sustainable end to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and towards lasting peace and security in the Middle East,” she added. The Vice-President then admitted that she saw no “progress in the implementation of the peace plan for Gaza” while “the humanitarian crisis is worsening. We cannot wait any longer, which is why the EU is calling for an immediate and unhindered flow of humanitarian aid to Gaza.”  

Beyond the statements, the debate on what is happening in Palestine has ground to a standstill, as Valentina Palmisano (The Left/M5S) said during the briefing ahead of the Strasbourg plenary session. The MEP emphasised that while “yet another resolution” will be voted on regarding Russia, the same is not being done for the Middle East.