Brussels — (Chatnewstv.com) European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas made one of her strongest statements yet on Iran’s nuclear ambitions, declaring that “Iran cannot have a nuclear bomb – period” as the EU scrambles to contain the escalating Middle East crisis that has seen direct exchanges of fire between Israel and Iran.
Speaking after an extraordinary informal videoconference of EU foreign ministers in Brussels, Kallas said the EU was united in its call for “restraint, de-escalation and diplomacy,” but warned that Iran’s recent nuclear activity cannot be ignored.
“We cannot be lenient when Iran accelerates its nuclear program,” she said, referencing the International Atomic Energy Agency’s recent finding that Iran is in breach of its non-proliferation obligations.
With the United States and Iran deadlocked in talks, Kallas suggested Europe must fill the diplomatic vacuum.
“Actually, the European Union – and Europe as such – has a role to play,” she said. “The diplomatic solution is the only one, also for the Iran nuclear program.”
Pressed by journalists on what tangible influence the EU can exert to prevent a wider war, Kallas pointed to evacuation efforts coordinated through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism and a renewed push for dialogue. But the lack of hard leverage was evident.
“We coordinate the evacuation of our citizens… But when it comes to the talks, now that Iran–US talks have hit a standstill, Europe must engage directly,” she said.
She confirmed recent direct contact with both Iranian and E3 (France, Germany, UK) ministers, noting that all sides fear the consequences of miscalculation and regional spillover.
Asked whether Russia could serve as a mediator, Kallas bluntly rejected the idea following a deadly Russian airstrike on Kyiv.
“Russia cannot be the mediator if they do not really believe in peace,” she said. “Iran has helped Russia do these attacks also against Ukraine – their cooperation is working in this regard.”
She also called for the EU to “move forward with the oil price cap,” warning that rising energy prices driven by Middle East tensions could inadvertently fund the Kremlin’s war machine.
The High Representative pushed back against concerns that focus on Iran is eclipsing the Gaza crisis.
“We will not lose sight of Gaza,” she insisted, promising deeper discussion at the Foreign Affairs Council on Monday.
In a pointed remark likely directed at Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu – under scrutiny from the International Criminal Court – Kallas warned against political manipulation.
“We must stop the suffering of the people,” she said, calling for “immediate full aid access, ceasefire, and the release of hostages.”
Responding to a question on Donald Trump’s recent comments calling for Iran to give up all nuclear capabilities, Kallas treaded carefully.
“Everybody agrees that Iran cannot have a nuclear bomb… But there is a difference between banning all nuclear use – even for peaceful purposes – and what can be negotiated.”
She also dismissed fears of transatlantic divergence, saying the G7 and EU remain broadly aligned, though her emphasis on diplomacy contrasted with the G7’s tougher tone.
“The European perspective is a diplomatic solution,” she said. “We’re not abandoning that.”
As tensions spike across multiple fronts – from Tehran to Tel Aviv, Kyiv to Gaza – the EU’s diplomatic push may be its last card in a region hurtling toward chaos.
Editor: Gabriel Ani
