European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, European Council President Antonio Costa, and EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas called for restraint and protection of civilians in light of the military operation by the US and Israel.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa published identical posts on social media platform X on Saturday, February 28, expressing serious concern regarding the start of a new military operation by Israel and the United States against Iran, reports DW.
"Ensuring nuclear security and preventing any actions that could lead to further escalation of tensions or undermine the global non-proliferation regime (of nuclear weapons. - Ed.) is crucial," stated the EU leaders. "We call on all parties to exercise maximum restraint, protect civilians, and fully comply with international law."
Von der Leyen and Costa also noted that the European Union has imposed extensive sanctions in response to the actions of the "Iranian regime of killers" and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). At the same time, Brussels is "facilitating diplomatic efforts aimed at resolving the nuclear and ballistic program (of Iran. - Ed.) through negotiations," the EU leaders indicated.
Kallas: The Iranian Regime is Dangerous for Peace
The EU's High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, also commented on the "dangerous nature" of the developments in the Middle East. She emphasized: "The Iranian regime has killed thousands of people. Its programs for developing ballistic missiles and nuclear weapons, as well as its support for terrorist groups, pose a serious threat to global security. The EU has imposed tough sanctions on Iran and supported diplomatic solutions, including on the nuclear issue."
Kallas discussed the situation with Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar. According to her, the European Union is also "working closely with Arab partners in seeking diplomatic pathways to resolve" the conflict.
"Our consular network is fully engaged in facilitating the departure of citizens from European Union countries. Necessary EU personnel are being evacuated from the region. Our naval mission Aspides is on heightened alert in the Red Sea and is ready to assist in maintaining the openness of the maritime corridor," Kallas added.
New Military Operation by Israel and the US Against Iran
Israel announced in the morning that it had carried out a "preventive" strike against Iran. The United States is participating in this operation, confirmed President Donald Trump. The head of the White House stated the intention to destroy Iran's nuclear program. Trump urged the Iranian army to lay down their arms and the country's residents to "take their fate into their own hands."
Explosions were reported in Tehran, Isfahan, Qom, Karaj, Kermanshah, Lorestan, and Tabriz. Iranian state media report that Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian are alive and safe. According to media reports, they were among the main targets of the Israeli-American attack.
Airspace is closed not only over Iran and Israel but also over the UAE and Qatar. Doha reported an Iranian missile being shot down. Explosions were heard in Abu Dhabi and Bahrain. Air raid sirens sounded in the Jordanian capital Amman and in Kuwait. Airlines from many countries are canceling flights to the Middle East.
A state of emergency has been declared in Israel. The Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced the launch of missiles and drones towards Israel. This was confirmed by the Israeli military. The Arab television channel Al Jazeera reported that Iranian missiles were also fired towards US military bases in Qatar and Bahrain.
The German government convened a crisis headquarters meeting due to the escalation in the Middle East. It will take place at the Foreign Ministry in Berlin. The authorities of Germany also stated that they are in "close contact" with European partners regarding the situation in the Middle East.
