European leaders call for de-escalation

European leaders call for de-escalation

European leaders call for de-escalation and expressed deep concern after Israel launched an unprovoked attack on Iran and have called for an immediate de-escalation. Civilians have been killed, including children. Iran has responded by launching their own attack.

🔁 Reactions:

• UK PM Keir Starmer urged “all parties to step back and reduce tensions urgently” and prioritised Middle East stability.
• EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen described the situation as “deeply alarming,” stressing that restraint and diplomacy are now “more urgent than ever”.
• German Chancellor Friedrich Merz convened a security cabinet following talks with Netanyahu, warning against further escalation and pledging diplomatic pressure to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons.
• Other EU figures—including from the Netherlands, Finland, France, and Ireland—urged calm and warned of the serious risk of regional spillover.