The talks focused on the economic fallout from severe disruptions to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic route for global oil and gas shipments, after Iran’s actions in the Gulf effectively halted most traffic. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said freedom of navigation must be protected and urged China, a key partner of Tehran, to use its influence to help restore safe passage and reopen the waterway. The crisis has tested an April ceasefire understanding between the United States and Iran. President Donald Trump warned on Sunday that the “clock is ticking” for Tehran, while the United Arab Emirates reported that a drone strike had caused a fire near its Barakah nuclear power plant complex.