Brussels: President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen said Friday the reports emerging from the Middle East "are deeply alarming." "Europe urges all parties to exercise maximum restraint, de-escalate immediately and refrain from retaliation," she wrote on her X account following the Israeli attacks on Iran.
According to Kuwait News Agency, Von der Leyen emphasized that "a diplomatic resolution is now more urgent than ever, for the sake of the region's stability and global security."
On a similar note, President of the European Council Antonio Costa expressed his concerns over the developments in the Middle East. He noted that he is "deeply worried" by the ongoing events. Costa warned that a further dangerous escalation could destabilize the whole region, urging all parties to practice restraint and pursue diplomatic channels.
The statements from EU leaders came shortly after Israeli forces launched extensive attacks on key nuclear and military sites in Iran. In response, Iran has vowed retaliation, raising fears of an escalating conflict in the region.