EU's Von der Leyen: Restoring Traffic in Strait of Hormuz 'Paramount'

EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on Monday that restoration of freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz was of "paramount" importance.

Her remarks came after U.S. President Donald Trump said the United States would begin a blockade of maritime traffic entering and exiting Iranian ports and coastal areas after a breakdown in talks.

"The ongoing closure of the Strait of Hormuz is greatly damaging. The restoration of the freedom of navigation is of paramount importance for us," she said. She added that there could be no stability in the Middle East while Lebanon was still being bombarded.