European Commission Tightens Oversight as Middle East Crisis Escalates

(MENAFN) The European Commission announced on Monday that it is intensifying its supervision of energy markets and reinforcing internal security precautions as instability deepens in the Middle East following coordinated US and Israeli strikes on Iran.

In a statement, the Commission said its Security College gathered to assess the fast-changing developments in Iran and the broader region, along with the possible repercussions for the European Union.

“The Commission’s work will be guided by two priorities: supporting Member States and protecting EU citizens from the adverse consequences of the events unfolding in Iran and the Middle East,” the statement said.

As part of its response, the Commission is expanding assistance to EU countries involved in evacuation and repatriation operations. It highlighted ongoing coordination with EU delegations in affected areas to help ensure smooth and effective efforts on the ground.

Concerns about potential disruptions to global transport routes — particularly around the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea — are under close review, the statement indicated.

“The Commission is closely tracking both price and supply developments and will convene an Energy Task Force with Member States, in liaison with the International Energy Agency, with a first meeting this week,” the statement noted.

After the joint US-Israeli military action against Iran over the weekend, as stated by reports, claims surfaced that Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps had warned vessels planning to transit the Strait of Hormuz that “no vessels will be permitted to pass.”

On the domestic front, the EU stressed that it remains on high alert. Officials are coordinating with Europol and national authorities to tackle “potential internal security risks” linked to the unfolding crisis in Iran and across the wider Middle East.

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