BRUSSELS, Belgium (AP) — European leaders have demanded the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and a moratorium on strikes on water and energy infrastructure in the Middle East as they met in Brussels to grapple with rising energy prices caused by the war.

All heads of the 27 European Union nations known collectively as the European Council issued a joint statement Thursday calling for the stabilization of energy shipments and “de-escalation and maximum restraint” from warring parties.

“The European Council deplores the loss of civilian life and is closely monitoring the far-reaching impact of the hostilities, including on economic stability,” the statement read. The leaders also asked Iran to stop striking neighbors across the Persian Gulf, sought international cooperation to prevent any large-scale refugee crises in the Middle East, and said some EU nations are exploring ways “to ensure freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.”

European leaders have deflected entreaties from US President Donald Trump to send military assets to secure the Strait of Hormuz, a key waterway for the global flow of oil, gas and fertilizer. However, rising energy prices because of the war and fears in Europe of a new refugee crisis have pushed leaders to make the Middle East a priority at the summit.

“We are very worried about the energy crisis,” said Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever ahead of the summit. He said that energy prices were too high before the war, but that the conflict “created another spike.”

“If that becomes structural, we’re in deep trouble,” he said.

Leaders also discussed alternative funding Ukraine after they failed to convince Hungary to stop opposing a massive loan for the cash-strapped and war-torn country.

No ‘appetite’ for joining the war

European leaders were deeply critical of the Iranian government, but none have offered immediate help to the US. Britain is flat-out refusing to be drawn into the war. France says the fighting would have to die down........

© The Times of Israel