European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on Thursday (19) that the EU (European Union) stands in solidarity with its Gulf partners, as Iran’s attacks on regional energy infrastructure cause oil and gas prices to double compared to pre-war levels.
EU leaders, in turn, are preparing emergency measures to protect consumers from rising energy costs.
After a summit in Brussels, von der Leyen announced more than 450 million euros (approximately R$2.7 billion) in humanitarian aid for the Middle East region and warned that the crisis represents “increasing risks that go far beyond the region itself”.
The President of the European Council, António Costa, called for maximum moderation and protection of “essential infrastructure, particularly that intended for energy production”.
The conflict with Iran has effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz, through which a fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas supplies normally pass, leaving Europe’s import-dependent energy sector exposed to sharp price volatility.
Brent oil, an international benchmark, rose again on Thursday after Iran attacked energy facilities in Qatar and Saudi Arabia.
Von der Leyen also addressed potential migratory pressures arising from the crisis, stating that the EU has not yet registered refugee flows towards Europe, but remains prepared.
Iran attacks
Iran’s foreign minister said the country demonstrated only a “fraction” of its power in retaliating against Israeli attacks on its infrastructure.
According to the chancellor, the nation chose to reduce its attack capacity out of “respect for the requested de-escalation”.
In a post on
Araghchi appeared to warn Israel that if it launched another attack, the Iranian response would be greater than the previous one.
“No containment if our infrastructures are hit again,” he said.
He also expressed Iran’s desire for reparations for the damage suffered by damaged civilian facilities: “Any end to this war must address the damage to our civilian facilities.”
Israel offensive
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Thursday that the attack on Iran’s South Pars gas field had occurred, adding that US President Donald Trump had asked him to refrain from carrying out similar attacks.
At a press conference, Netanyahu said the operation against the site was conducted exclusively by Israel, without direct US involvement.
He added that Trump had asked Israel to halt further such attacks.
