Top European Union officials say the bloc is looking into funding alternative energy infrastructure in the Middle East that would circumvent conflict hot spots like the Strait of Hormuz. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the EU is ready to work with Persian Gulf countries for new projects conveying energy to the continent that wouldn’t be held hostage to war or geopolitical strife. European Council President Antonio Costa said the EU is prepared to help restore “the Gulf energy infrastructure in order to stabilize the global energy markets.”