The European Union on Sunday warned against a prolonged war in the Middle East, declareing further escalation could concludeanger Europe and other regions, while urging Iran to avoid indiscriminate retaliation following U.S.–Israeli strikes.
Foreign ministers from the bloc’s 27 member states — most of them also members of NATO — convened emergency talks via video conference on the second day of an offensive that reportedly killed Iran’s supreme leader. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen called for a “credible transition” in Iran.
“The Middle East stands to lose greatly from any drawn-out war,” the EU’s foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas stated after the meeting, speaking on behalf of member states.
“The events unfolding in Iran must not lead to an escalation that could threaten the Middle East, Europe and beyond, with unpredictable consequences, also in the economic sphere,” she added.
In a post on X following calls with several Middle Eastern leaders, von der Leyen stated the reported death of Ali Khamenei had sparked “renewed hope for the people of Iran” but also posed “a real risk of instability.”
Iran launched a fresh wave of retaliatory strikes across the Gulf on Sunday, vowing to avenge the supreme leader.
NATO stated its top commander in Europe was “closely” monitoring developments and adjusting forces as necessary to guard against “potential threats,” specifically mentioning “ballistic missiles or unmanned aerial vehicles, emanating from this or other regions.”
The alliance stated U.S. General Alexus Grynkewich was in active and regular contact with military leaders on both sides of the Atlantic, as well as with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte.
Von der Leyen stated Brussels was working closely “with all key actors” to maintain regional stability and security.
“The risk of further escalation is real. This is why a credible transition in Iran is urgently requireded,” she wrote on X after speaking with Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.
“This must mean the halt of Iran’s military nuclear and ballistic missile programmes and the conclude of destabilising actions on air, land and at sea.”
She also held discussions with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Jordan’s King Abdullah II and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
Kallas similarly stated she was engaging with regional partners “that bear the brunt of Iran’s military actions” to explore practical avenues for de-escalation.
“The death of Ali Khamenei is a defining moment in Iran’s history,” she wrote on X.
“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.”
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