Since the first US and Israeli strikes on Iran, European leaders have warned of a long conflict in the Middle East. On Monday, US and Israeli strikes continued against Iran and its terrorist supporters, particularly in Lebanon, as did Iranian reprisals against Israel, the Gulf States and allied bases in the region.
Diplomatic exchanges followed one another all weekend for European leaders, between the Informal Council of EU Foreign Ministers, meetings of the G7 and the United Nations Security Council, and the E3 (France, Germany, United Kingdom). The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, held talks with nine European and regional leaders, and the High Representative of the Union, Kaja Kallas, also increased her contacts.
On Monday, the European Commission organised a security college (see other news), and a joint meeting between the EU foreign affairs ministers and the Gulf Cooperation Council countries could also take place in the next few days.
Speaking to the media on Monday, Ursula von der Leyen reiterated the need to work “relentlessly to de-escalate and prevent the conflict from spreading”, condemning “in the strongest possible terms the indiscriminate attacks perpetrated by Iran and its allies against sovereign territories throughout the region” and stressing that the stability of the region was “paramount”.
On Saturday, in a joint statement with the President of the European Council, António Costa, she reaffirmed an unwavering commitment to preserving regional security and stability. The two presidents called on all parties to show the utmost restraint, protect civilians and fully respect international law.
“The only lasting solution for the crisis in Iran is a diplomatic one: this means a credible transition for Iran, the definite halt to both the nuclear and ballistic programs and an end to destabilising activities in the region”, the President reiterated on Monday. She said that the US and Israeli strikes “bring renewed hope for the long-suffering people of Iran (and) we strongly support their right to determine their own future”.
Condemnation of the Iranian strikes. On Sunday, at the end of an extraordinary Foreign Affairs Council by videoconference, the High Representative, on behalf of the 27 Member States, also called for appeasement.
“The Middle East stands to lose greatly from any drawn-out war”, she stressed in a statement. “We call for maximum restraint, protection of civilians and full respect of international law, including the principles of the United Nations Charter, and international humanitarian law”, she added, describing Iran’s attacks and violations of the sovereignty of several countries in the region as “inexcusable”.
“Iran must refrain from indiscriminate military strikes. We express our solidarity with partners in the region that have been attacked or affected”, Ms Kallas added. On the other hand, no comment was made on the US and Israeli strikes, as the Member States were divided on the subject.
The High Representative also pointed out that the EU had adopted “extensive” sanctions in response to the actions of the Iranian authorities.
“The death of Ali Khamenei is a defining moment in Iran’s history. What comes next is uncertain. But there is now an open path to a different Iran, one that its people may have greater freedom to shape”, added Kaja Kallas on X. European Commission spokesman Anouar El Anouni said Khamenei would be remembered “for his brutal rule, repression, oppression and violations of the rights of the Iranian people, as well as for Iran’s destabilising and illegal actions in the Middle East and beyond”.
According to Ms Kallas, the EU remains in close contact with its partners in the region in order to contribute to de-escalation and will continue to contribute to all diplomatic efforts aimed at reducing tensions and finding a lasting solution to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.
Strengthening Operation Aspides and the protection of Cyprus. The High Representative also warned that events in Iran must not lead to an escalation that could threaten the Middle East, Europe and the rest of the world, “with unpredictable consequences, also in the economic sphere”. “The disruption of critical waterways, like the Strait of Hormuz, must be avoided”, she warned.
The EU’s military operation in the Red Sea EUNAVFOR Aspides has seen “a sharp increase in requests for protection, and we will reinforce it with additional ships to increase maritime security in the region”, announced Mr El Anouni. According to a European diplomat, two additional French ships will join the mission, which currently has three.
In a joint statement, the leaders of France, Germany and the UK announced that they would take steps to defend the interests of their countries and those of their allies in the region, “potentially by allowing necessary and proportionate defensive action to destroy Iran’s ability to fire missiles and drones at their source”. “We have agreed to work together with the United States and regional allies on this issue”, they added.
Iranian drones hit a naval base in Abu Dhabi housing French forces, and a British base in Cyprus was targeted by drones, each time causing limited material damage.
Following a telephone conversation between the Greek Prime Minister, Kyriákos Mitsotákis, and the Cypriot President, Nikos Christodoulidis, Nicosia announced that Greece would send two frigates, one equipped with an anti-drone system, and four F-16 aircraft, which arrived on the island a few hours later.
Asked about the reference to Article 42.7 of the TEU on mutual assistance, Commission spokeswoman Paula Pinho said that “this question, which is a legitimate one, will certainly be discussed in the coming days at the various meetings scheduled”.
To see the EU statement: https://aeur.eu/f/kzc ; and that of the two presidents: https://aeur.eu/f/kzd (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)