US Military Involvement Risks Widening Middle East Conflict, Warns Kaja Kallas
High Representative Kaja Kallas has cautioned that potential military involvement by the United States in the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran could escalate the situation into a broader and more dangerous regional war. Her statement followed remarks by former US President Donald Trump, who hinted at a possible direct US role to end the hostilities.
Trump’s Position on US Involvement
Trump told ABC News that while the US is not currently involved in the conflict, it “could get involved.” He further warned that American forces would respond decisively if Iran targeted US troops, stating the US would go “gloves off” in such a scenario.
European Union’s Stance Against Armed Intervention
Kallas clarified that the European Union opposes any armed intervention by the US in the conflict. Speaking in Brussels after a video call with EU foreign ministers, she emphasized that US involvement would only worsen the crisis and is undesirable for all parties involved. She also shared insights from her recent conversation with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who agreed that avoiding escalation is in everyone’s best interest.
Risks of Escalation and Call for Peaceful Solutions
Kaja Kallas highlighted the urgent need to prevent escalation, spillover, and miscalculations that could further deepen the conflict. Regarding Trump’s call for a “real end” to the conflict involving Iran’s complete abandonment of its nuclear program, she noted this stance contrasts with the EU’s approach, which supports non-proliferation while allowing peaceful civilian nuclear activities.
Background on the Iran Nuclear Deal
The 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), designed to restrict Iran’s nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief, has been undermined since the US withdrawal under Trump’s administration. This led Iran to resume uranium enrichment at higher levels, causing international concern. Recently, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reported Iran’s failure to comply with its non-proliferation obligations for the first time in two decades.
Europe’s Commitment to Diplomacy
Kallas stressed that a diplomatic resolution remains the best long-term strategy to address Iran’s nuclear ambitions, with Europe ready to actively participate. However, she underscored that the EU will not tolerate Iran accelerating its nuclear program unchecked.
EU’s Role in Evacuation and Humanitarian Efforts
Following the foreign ministers’ meeting, Kallas reiterated the call for restraint and de-escalation, while maintaining the EU’s limited involvement in the conflict. The bloc has activated its Civil Protection Mechanism to help evacuate European citizens from the region and continues naval operations in the Red Sea to safeguard merchant vessels from attacks.
She emphasized the EU’s commitment to ensuring humanitarian access to Gaza, criticizing Israeli restrictions, though details about ongoing EU-Israel agreements were not disclosed.
EU’s Position on Oil Price Caps Amid Middle East Tensions
Asked about the impact of Middle East instability on the EU’s plan to reduce the price cap on Russian crude oil, Kallas supported moving forward independently with the reduction, despite lacking US support. She warned that rising oil prices due to the conflict would enable Russia to increase revenues and fund its war efforts more effectively.
Rejection of Russia’s Mediation Role
Kallas dismissed Russia’s offer to mediate the Israel-Iran conflict, citing its invasion of Ukraine as a disqualifying factor. She asserted that Russia cannot serve as a credible peace broker without a genuine commitment to ending conflicts.
