The European Union has agreed to a request from the United States to postpone the release of satellite images from the Copernicus program covering the Persian Gulf for 24 hours. This decision was published in the official journal of the EU.
The agreement comes amid a resurgence of attacks by the United States on Iran since July 7, further escalating tensions in the region against the backdrop of the ongoing confrontation surrounding the Strait of Hormuz.
Reasons for the delay of satellite data
On May 26, US officials requested the delay of satellite data from the High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs, Kaja Kallas. The request specifically concerned data from the Sentinel-1 and Sentinel-2 satellites over the Persian Gulf.
In a decision dated July 13, the EU Council stated that this measure is “necessary” to ensure that the images “are not used by any third country or non-state actor in a way that would pose a threat to the interests of the Union and its member states in the region or the interests of their allies”.
The decision applies to the area of the Persian Gulf, where hostilities are ongoing and a maritime blockade of Iran imposed by the US is currently in effect.
Source: The Straits Times
