The European Union (EU) is following developments in Iran and the broader Middle East "with utmost concern" and has called on all sides to exercise maximum restraint, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said on Sunday in a statement issued on behalf of the bloc, reported Xinhua.
The statement called for maximum restraint, the protection of civilians and full respect for international law, including the principles of the United Nations Charter and international humanitarian law, warning that the Middle East "stands to lose greatly from any drawn-out war."
The EU said it would continue contributing to diplomatic efforts to reduce tensions and seek a lasting solution to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon.
It stressed the importance of Iran's full cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency and compliance with its legal obligations under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and the Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement.
Warning against wider spillover, the statement said events unfolding in Iran must not trigger an escalation that could threaten the Middle East, Europe and beyond, with unpredictable consequences, including in the economic sphere.
The statement added that disruption of critical waterways such as the Strait of Hormuz must be avoided.
Kallas chaired an emergency video conference of EU foreign ministers on Sunday to address Iran and rapidly unfolding developments across the Middle East.
- EU
- Iran
- Middle East
- US
- Israel
Source: www.dailyfinland.fi
