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EU leaders weigh options to deal with Iran war

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Katharina Kroll
April 24, 2026

As the Iran war disrupts global trade routes, EU leaders meeting in Cyprus are divided over whether easing sanctions on Tehran could help secure a ceasefire. With Washington and Tehran holding the keys, Europe’s role remains uncertain.

At a crisis summit in Cyprus, European leaders grapple with the fallout from the US‑Israel war against Iran. With the Strait of Hormuz under threat, Berlin's proposal to ease sanctions exposes deep divisions over how — or whether — Europe can influence the conflict.


 

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