Brussels: EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas warned Monday that Washington's move to ease oil sanctions on Russia sets a 'dangerous precedent.' "We see the easing of sanctions on oil, on Russia, by US is a dangerous precedent, because right now, we need them to have less money for waging the war," Kallas told reporters ahead of the Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels.

According to Anadolu Agency, Kallas emphasized the importance of maintaining focus on Ukraine despite the ongoing tensions in the Middle East. She mentioned her discussions with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres about initiatives similar to the Black Sea initiative, aimed at facilitating the export of grain from Ukraine. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz, she noted, poses significant threats to global oil and energy supplies.

Kallas also pointed out the potential discussions with EU member states about altering the mandate of the bloc's naval mission, Aspides. "The point is whether the member states are willing to actually use this mission," she further stressed.

Her remarks came after US authorities reportedly authorized the temporary purchase of Russian oil stranded at sea last Thursday, in an attempt to stabilize global energy markets. This development follows Iran's effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz since March 1. The closure was a response to joint attacks by Israel and the US against Iran on February 28, resulting in approximately 1,300 casualties, including the death of then-Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Hostilities have since escalated.

Tehran has retaliated with drone and missile strikes targeting Israel, Jordan, Iraq, and Gulf countries that house US military assets, leading to further casualties and damage to civilian infrastructure. Before the conflict, about 20 million barrels of oil passed through the strait daily, and its disruption has led to increased oil prices.