MOSCOW, April 3. /TASS/. A new decision-making center, excluding the United States, is currently taking shape among European Union countries, with Britain leading the effort, according to Grigory Karasin, Chairman of the Federation Council Committee on Foreign Affairs.
"It appears that an alternative decision-making hub, independent of Washington, is rapidly emerging in Europe on pressing economic and political issues. London, as anticipated, is at the forefront of this initiative. Yesterday's virtual meeting by videolink aimed at unblocking the Strait of Hormuz was highly illustrative in this regard. Over 40 countries' foreign ministers participated," Karasin noted in his Telegram channel.
He further observed that the trend of convening meetings without US involvement is becoming "not just indicative, but increasingly routine."
"It’s evident that more significant issues - such as the future of NATO - are likely to be on the agenda. Without Washington, this alliance risks losing its purpose and, crucially, its confidence in its own effectiveness. There are many factors warranting careful analysis," he concluded.
Earlier, Bloomberg, citing sources, reported that participants in the Strait of Hormuz conference had begun discussing contingency plans for resuming full shipping operations in the Middle East should the US withdraw from the Iran conflict without a resolution for the strait.
