Europe flails in response to Iran conflict as Strait of Hormuz closure threatens energy supply

European countries are struggling to coordinate an effective response to the outbreak of violence in the Middle East, with many leaders stuck in meetings as the Strait of Hormuz closure threatens to exacerbate the continent’s energy shortage. The United Kingdom, Italy, and Germany held a joint conference late Monday to discuss the narrow water passage through which a quarter of all maritime oil trade passes. Transit through the strait has slowed to a crawl since “Operation Epic Fury” sparked a regional conflict that has spilled over from Iran into neighboring countries. “We’re working with our

European countries are struggling to coordinate an effective response to the outbreak of violence in the Middle East, with many leaders stuck in meetings as the Strait of Hormuz closure threatens to exacerbate the continent’s energy shortage. The United Kingdom, Italy, and Germany held a joint conference late Monday to discuss the narrow water passage through which a quarter of all maritime oil trade passes. Transit through the strait has slowed to a crawl since “Operation Epic Fury” sparked a regional conflict that has spilled over from Iran into neighboring countries. “We’re working with our