EU urges Iran to halt attacks on neighbors and restore Hormuz navigation

European Council President António Costa and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian

NEW YORK, Sept 24:  European Council President António Costa urged Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Wednesday to halt strikes against neighboring countries and restore freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz during talks between the two leaders.

Costa described his discussion with Pezeshkian as “frank and substantial,” saying he called for an end to Iran’s strikes against its neighbors and the “full restoration of freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.”

He said dialogue was the only way to resolve conflicts and achieve lasting peace in the region.

Costa also urged Iran to resume cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) as diplomatic efforts continue to address regional tensions.

“The EU stands ready to support all ongoing diplomatic efforts,” Costa said in a post on X.

The talks came as international efforts to de-escalate tensions in the region and address the disruption to navigation through the Strait of Hormuz continued.