European Leaders Urge Diplomacy Following U.S. Strike on Iran
The recent large-scale U.S. airstrike on Iran’s nuclear facilities has prompted mixed but cautious reactions from European leaders. While expressing concern over the escalating situation, European officials consistently emphasized the urgent need to return to diplomatic negotiations, despite Iran declares diplomacy dead.
Calls for De-escalation and Diplomatic Engagement
Many leaders across the European Union posted statements on social media urging Iran to avoid further escalation and return to negotiations. The European Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen, reaffirmed the EU’s stance that Iran must not acquire nuclear weapons, calling for immediate diplomatic engagement. “Stability must take precedence,” she said, emphasizing the importance of respecting international law and pushing for dialogue as the only viable resolution.
Echoing this sentiment, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas warned that a nuclear-armed Iran would pose a serious threat to global security. She appealed for all sides to de-escalate tensions and reconvene at the negotiating table, ahead of an EU foreign ministers’ meeting scheduled to address the crisis.
EU Council and National Leaders Emphasize Restraint
European Council President Antonio Costa voiced deep concern over the strike, urging restraint from all parties. Stressing the need for diplomacy, he noted the human toll of continued conflict and reiterated the EU’s role in seeking peaceful solutions.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz convened his country’s security cabinet and, through a spokesperson, urged Tehran to immediately re-engage in negotiations with the U.S. and Israel. The UK’s Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, offered a balanced response, refraining from directly criticizing or endorsing the U.S. actions.
Nordic and Southern European Reactions
Finland’s President Alexander Stubb emphasized the importance of preventing nuclear proliferation and ending the cycle of retaliation in the Middle East. He called for renewed efforts grounded in diplomacy and international law.
In Italy, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni held high-level talks with ministers and intelligence officials to monitor the crisis. According to government sources, Italy will continue working with international partners to bring the involved parties back to negotiations.
France Stresses Caution and Multilateralism
France’s foreign minister, Jean-Noël Barrot, took a slightly more reserved tone. He acknowledged the U.S. airstrikes with concern but clarified that France had not been involved. Barrot called on all stakeholders to show restraint and emphasized the importance of resolving the issue within the framework of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.
President Emmanuel Macron initially withheld public comment but later reported having held discussions with several Middle Eastern leaders. He also appealed directly to Iran for the release of detained French nationals and urged Tehran to avoid further escalation. Macron reiterated that peace can only be achieved through sincere dialogue and a commitment to renounce nuclear weapons.
Iran Pushes Back Against Western Narratives
Despite widespread European appeals for diplomacy, Iran appears unwilling to re-enter negotiations at this stage. Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi accused both the U.S. and Israel of sabotaging ongoing diplomatic efforts. Responding directly to European leaders such as Kaja Kallas and Keir Starmer, he questioned the fairness of demanding Iran return to talks it claims never to have abandoned.
As EU foreign ministers prepare to meet in Brussels, Araghchi is instead expected to consult with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow—an indication that Tehran may be seeking alternative diplomatic alignments outside the Western sphere.
#Global News
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