Let War Not Spread in the Middle East: EU’s ‘Utmost Concern’ and Appeal for Peace

Kathmandu, March 2: The European Union (EU) has stated that it is following the latest developments in Iran and the broader Middle East with “utmost concern” and has called on all parties to exercise maximum restraint. These points were mentioned in a statement issued on Sunday by EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas on behalf of the bloc.

The statement called for maximum restraint, the protection of civilians, and full respect for international law, including the principles of the UN Charter and international humanitarian law. The statement warned that the Middle East “stands to lose greatly from any drawn-out war.”

The EU stated it would continue contributing to diplomatic efforts to reduce tensions and seek a lasting solution to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon. It also emphasized the importance of Iran’s full cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency and compliance with its legal obligations under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and the Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement.

Warning against wider spillover, the statement said that events unfolding in Iran must not trigger an escalation that could threaten the Middle East, Europe, and beyond, with unpredictable consequences, including in the economic sphere. The statement also mentioned that disruption of critical waterways such as the Strait of Hormuz must be avoided.

Kallas had also called an emergency video conference of EU foreign ministers on Sunday to address the rapidly unfolding developments in Iran and across the Middle East.