Blatant EU Foreign policy double standards

The economic uncertainty across the European Union, resulting from the United States' failure to uphold its memorandum of understanding with Iran, cannot be overstated.

That's what experts are warning. Foreign ministers from the 27-member bloc also discussed the issue at length on July 13.

• EU ministers flaunt foreign policy double standards
  

  EU ministers flaunt bloc's foreign policy double standards

  EU foreign policy chief accuss Iran of violating its post-war MoU with Washington, saying the EU is ready to help implement the agreement.

When you talk about the MOU, what practically can the EU do to try and help the implementation of that?

EU has a lot of expertise when it comes to the nuclear, for example. We have offered our expertise, our people that could be the ones who are negotiating and putting these issues together.

Kaja Kallas, EU Foreign Affairs Representative

Navigation through the Strait of Hormuz remains one of the key points of contention in the Iran-US MOU.

• Iran says IRGC Navy to control all Strait of Hormuz traffic ‘with full authority’
  

  Iran says IRGC Navy to control all Strait of Hormuz traffic ‘with full authority’

  Iran’s highest operational command unit warns that the country’s Armed Forces will give a response to any military interference in the Strait of Hormuz.

Iran has maintained control over the strategic waterway since early March, as part of its defensive measures in response to the US-Israeli aggression.

Romania says keeping Hormuz fully open to global shipping without a toll is essential to upholding international law.

The remarks came before US President Donald Trump announced on Monday that he plans to impose a 20% charge on cargo ships using the waterway.

• Araghchi: 'Iran eternal guardian of Hormuz; Trump's 20% toll too much, we will be fair'
  

  Araghchi: 'Iran eternal guardian of Hormuz; Trump's 20% toll too much, we will be fair'

  Araghchi addressed Trump’s announcement that the United States would unilaterally declare itself the “Guardian of the Hormuz Strait” and demand a steep 20% reimbursement on all cargo passing through it.

What is Romania's position in relation to the legality of the initial strikes by the US and Israel against Iran? Do you have a position on that in terms of international law?

Here, Romania is a contributor at UN and also always has respected the decisions of international courts, and that is our general position on every of the conflicts. [sic]

Oana-Silvia Toiu, Romanian Foreign Minister

The illegal US attacks on Iran are once again driving up global oil prices, unsettling markets, and causing concern across industry, including the farming sector, which relies on the Strait of Hormuz remaining open for essential supplies.

• US-Israeli war against Iran pushing millions into hunger: WFP
  

  US-Israeli war against Iran pushing millions into hunger: WFP

  The United Nations food relief organization has warned that the US-Israeli war on Iran is pushing millions of people in the West Asian region into hunger.

How important is it to get that situation sorted out?

The signal from that part, because global transit is very important because markets immediately react, and to that regard we expect that it soon finalize the support package offered by the European Commission.

Rolandas Taraskevicius, Lithuanian Agriculture Minister

Trade with Israeli settlements was another topic discussed on Monday. As expected, EU ministers again failed to agree on restricting trade with illegal Israeli settlements.

• Ireland pushes for EU trade ban on Israeli settlements amid widespread violations
  

  Ireland pushes for EU trade ban on Israeli settlements amid widespread violations

  The Irish foreign minister has called for an EU-wide ban on trade with illegal Israeli settlements.

Critics say the bloc is quick to invoke international law when it suits, yet reluctant to apply the same standards to Israel and the United States.

Ireland has a reputation for pursuing a more balanced foreign policy, and it has now assumed the rotating presidency of the European Union.

However, analysts say that alone is unlikely to alter the bloc's overall stance, including its hard-line approach towards Iran and its continued support for Israel.

They argue that, ultimately, Germany remains the EU's economic powerhouse, and so it's Berlin that will continue to call the shots.

• Mephistopheles in Berlin: Iran slams German FM’s Faustian lies on the Strait of Hormuz
  

  Mephistopheles in Berlin: Iran slams German FM’s Faustian lies on the Strait of Hormuz

  Iran’s Foreign Ministry has denounced German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul’s remarks on the Strait of Hormuz.

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