BRUSSELS (CHATNEWSTV) — The European Union on Friday expressed “deep concern” over the rising tensions between Israel and Iran, warning that the latest military strikes could destabilize the entire Middle East and potentially lead to a radioactive incident.
“The EU is following very closely the situation in the Middle East and expresses its deepest concern at the dangerous escalation,” said the bloc’s foreign policy chief in a statement on Saturday. “This threatens to destabilise the region following Israeli strikes on Iran and Iran’s response.”
Brussels reaffirmed its commitment to the security of Israel but called on all parties to “abide by international law, show restraint and refrain from further steps which could lead to serious consequences.”
The EU also reiterated its longstanding opposition to Iran’s potential development of nuclear weapons, citing a recent International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) report that found Tehran in breach of its nuclear obligations under the Non-Proliferation Treaty.
“Iran must never be allowed to acquire a nuclear weapon,” the statement said. “But lasting security is built through diplomacy, not military action.”
Calling for calm, the EU said it would support all efforts aimed at de-escalation and negotiation.
“We believe that diplomacy must prevail,” the EU said. “The EU will continue to contribute to all diplomatic efforts to reduce tensions and to find a lasting solution to the Iranian nuclear issue — which can only be achieved through a negotiated deal.”
