The European Union on Sunday urged all parties to de-escalate tensions and return to the negotiating table after the United States joined Israel in striking Iranian nuclear facilities.
Israel had launched a large-scale bombing campaign on Iran on June 13. In retaliation, Tehran fired missiles at Israeli targets and warned it would respond further if the U.S. became directly involved.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen emphasized that Iran “must never acquire the bomb,” while EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas labeled such a prospect “a threat to international security.” Despite their strong concerns, both leaders reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to a diplomatic resolution.
“I urge all sides to de-escalate, return to negotiations, and avoid further conflict,” Kallas posted on X. She added that EU foreign ministers would convene on Monday to address the situation.
Von der Leyen echoed the sentiment: “The negotiating table remains the only viable path to resolving this crisis.”
Growing Diplomatic Pressure
The EU’s calls for calm came after Kallas and top diplomats from France, Germany, and the UK met Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in Geneva last Friday. The European powers urged Tehran to resume dialogue with Washington in hopes of reviving the stalled nuclear deal.
However, Iran maintained it would only consider talks if Israel ceased its attacks.
“The Middle East does not need another war,” said Antonio Costa, President of the European Council. “Diplomacy is the only path to peace. Continued escalation will lead to more civilian suffering.”
EU foreign ministers, already scheduled to meet in Brussels to discuss issues ranging from the war in Ukraine to the crisis in Gaza, are now expected to prioritize the Israel-Iran conflict.
