Iran War: EU Calls Tehran to Discuss Strait of Hormuz

Antonio Costa, the European Council President, has pressed Tehran to initiate diplomatic discussions concerning the Strait of Hormuz. Amid ongoing tensions, US President Donald Trump has directed NATO allies to secure their own oil, highlighting global supply concerns. DW provides further details on the latest developments from the US-Israeli conflict with Iran on Tuesday, March 31.

Day 32 of the Conflict

As the war in Iran enters its 32nd day, no resolution appears imminent, despite Washington’s claims of active peace talks. Here are the key updates from Tuesday’s events:

“We have more and more options, and they have less… In only one month we set the terms, the upcoming days will be decisive,” said Pete Hegseth, the US Defense Secretary.

At a Pentagon press briefing, Hegseth and General Dan Caine detailed military actions targeting Iran’s “minelaying capability and naval assets.” Caine emphasized that US forces have destroyed “over 150 ships” and are striking Iran’s defense infrastructure, including factories and nuclear research facilities.

Trump, in a post on Truth Social, criticized nations not supporting his campaign in Iran. “All of those countries that can’t get jet fuel because of the Strait of Hormuz, like the United Kingdom, which refused to get involved in the decapitation of Iran, I have a suggestion for you: Number 1, buy from the US, we have plenty,” he wrote.

Meanwhile, China and Pakistan’s foreign ministries issued a joint statement calling for an immediate halt to hostilities in Iran and a ceasefire across the Middle East. They demanded secure passage for vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran has blocked for a month. The five-point peace plan, however, remains unspecified, as the Iranian Foreign Ministry has dismissed the US’s 12-point proposal as “excessive.”

Trump also singled out France for restricting US military flights, stating: “The Country of France wouldn’t let planes headed to Israel, loaded up with military supplies, fly over French territory. France has been VERY UNHELPFUL.”

Italy’s decision to deny US bombers access to a shared Sicilian airbase added to the diplomatic friction. As tensions escalate, the closure of the Strait of Hormuz has disrupted global energy markets, prompting nations to react to rising oil prices and shortages.