EU delays Persian Gulf satellite image release by 24 hours at U.S. request

The European Union has acceded to a U.S. request to postpone the release of its satellite imagery from the Persian Gulf region by 24 hours. The decision, detailed in an official journal, aims to prevent the misuse of the data. American officials had asked EU's top diplomat, Kaja Kallas, for the delay in late June. The request specifically concerned data from the Copernicus program's Sentinel-1 and Sentinel-2 satellites over the Persian Gulf. This area is currently a focal point for Iranian and American actions, with the U.S. having imposed a naval blockade on Iranian ports. The Council of the European Union stated on July 13 that delaying the satellite image release is necessary to ensure they are not used by any third party in a manner that could threaten the interests of the Union, its member states, or their allies in the region. The article also references a conflict in the Middle East that began on February 28 with U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran. Tehran's response included closing the Strait of Hormuz and attacking surrounding countries. Ceasefire agreements between Tehran and Washington, made in April and June, temporarily halted the conflict. However, both sides reportedly continued fighting despite the truces. The U.S. fully resumed military operations against Iran in early July, citing retaliation for attacks on vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran subsequently launched missile and drone attacks on U.S. bases in Persian Gulf states.