EU leaders call for moratorium on strikes against Middle East energy and water facilities

European Union leaders called on Thursday for a ​moratorium on military strikes on energy and ‌water facilities in the Middle East.

The move comes amid concerns about the impact of the Iran war on the global ​economy.

"The European Council calls for de-escalation and ​maximum restraint, the protection of civilians and civilian ⁠infrastructure and full respect of international law ​by all parties," the leaders of the EU's 27 ​countries said in written conclusions of a summit in Brussels.

"In this regard, it calls for a moratorium on strikes against ​energy and water facilities," they said.

The leaders ​called for reinforcing the bloc's existing Red Sea naval mission Aspides and ‌counter-piracy ⁠naval mission Atalanta in the Horn of Africa "with more assets, in line with their respective mandates".

Reuters reported that U.S. President Donald Trump has lashed out at allies ​who have responded ​cautiously to ⁠his demands that they help secure the Strait of Hormuz.

In ⁠their statement, the European leaders welcomed "the increased efforts announced by Member States, including through strengthened coordination with ⁠partners ​in the region, to ensure ​freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, once the conditions ​are met".