European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas expressed optimism on Monday regarding the formal signing of the initial phase of a Pakistan-mediated agreement between the United States and Iran. She highlighted the severe global consequences of the ongoing Middle East conflict, emphasizing the urgent need for resolution.
Speaking on a current affairs programme, Kallas underscored that ending the war and reopening the Strait of Hormuz would benefit all parties involved. She pointed out that the conflict has led to soaring energy prices and disrupted fertilizer supplies, which could potentially trigger famine in the coming year. The reopening of this crucial waterway remains vital for global stability and economic balance.
In a significant development, Kallas praised Pakistan for its pivotal role in mediating between Washington and Tehran, helping to avert a full-scale war. She acknowledged Pakistan’s efforts in bringing the two sides to the negotiating table but noted that the ultimate agreement depends on the US and Iran themselves. The hope is that the first phase agreement will pave the way for subsequent discussions on more complex issues, including nuclear matters.
Pakistan has been actively engaged in mediation since hostilities escalated following US and Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28, which were met with Iranian retaliatory attacks and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Islamabad successfully brokered a two-week ceasefire on April 8 and hosted direct talks between the US and Iran on April 11 and 12. Although these talks did not yield a permanent agreement, Pakistan has continued discreet efforts to bridge the divide.
Last week, US President Donald Trump reportedly presented a firmer peace proposal to Iran, highlighting the remaining challenges in reaching a consensus. Kallas stressed the importance of regional stability, warning that neighboring conflicts inevitably affect wider global security.
Addressing concerns about human rights violations by Israel in Gaza and Lebanon, Kallas condemned such actions as violations of international law. She cited the UN Charter, emphasizing that no nation has the right to attack another and that sovereignty and territorial integrity must be respected. She called for strengthening international law to ensure accountability, noting that the erosion of these rules stems from enforcement failures rather than flawed principles.
Kallas arrived in Islamabad earlier on Monday to engage in bilateral talks and participate in the eighth round of the EU-Pakistan Strategic Dialogue. During her visit, she met with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif at the Prime Minister’s Office, where they discussed bilateral relations as well as regional and global issues.
Prime Minister Shehbaz reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to deepening its multifaceted partnership with the EU, focusing on cooperation in trade, investment, climate change, security, migration, sustainable development, and connectivity. He highlighted the significance of the GSP+ trade arrangement in strengthening economic ties and expressed gratitude for the EU’s support of Pakistan’s peace initiatives in the Gulf region. He also acknowledged the crucial roles played by Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar in these efforts.
Kallas reciprocated by appreciating Pakistan’s contributions to regional peace and conveyed the EU’s strong interest in enhancing strategic engagement with the country. In addition to meeting the Prime Minister, she held discussions with Field Marshal Munir and Deputy Prime Minister Dar, and co-chaired the eighth EU-Pakistan Strategic Dialogue session.
