After five weeks of war in the Middle East, it is clear that only a diplomatic solution will resolve its root causes. Any targeting of civilian infrastructure, especially energy facilities, is illegal and unacceptable," stated Costa. He noted that this applies to Russian attacks in Ukraine and any part of the world. "The Iranian civilian population is the main victim of the Iranian regime, and would also be the main victim of the expansion of a military campaign," Costa conveyed. He reiterated that the European Union calls on Iran to immediately cease its attacks on countries in the region and allow for the full restoration of freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. "Escalation will not bring a ceasefire and peace. Only negotiations will, particularly those that are ongoing and led by regional partners," he said.