Brussels, Belgium – February 28, 2026 – The European Union has called for immediate de-escalation and full adherence to international law following the coordinated US-Israeli military strikes on Iran early Saturday, describing the situation as “greatly concerning” and reaffirming its commitment to regional stability and nuclear non-proliferation.
In a joint statement posted on X, European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen expressed deep alarm over the escalation and emphasized the need to protect civilians while avoiding actions that could further destabilize the Middle East.
“We call on all parties to exercise maximum restraint, to protect civilians, and to fully respect international law,” the leaders stated. “The situation in Iran is greatly concerning. The EU remains in close contact with partners across the region.”
The statement highlighted the EU’s longstanding position on Iran, noting that the bloc has imposed extensive sanctions in response to what it described as the “murderous regime” and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). At the same time, Brussels has consistently advocated for a negotiated diplomatic solution to address Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile programs.
Costa and von der Leyen stressed that safeguarding nuclear safety and preventing further escalation or actions that could undermine the global non-proliferation regime remain “of critical importance.” They also assured that the EU, in coordination with member states, is taking all necessary steps to support and protect EU citizens in the region.
The EU’s measured response comes amid reports of significant damage from the strikes, which targeted military infrastructure, missile production sites, and reportedly senior political and military leadership figures, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, President Masoud Pezeshkian, and other high-ranking officials. Israeli assessments cited by Channel 12 suggested a strong likelihood that Ali Shamkhani—Khamenei’s advisor on nuclear matters—may have been eliminated, though Iranian authorities have denied harm to key figures and stated that Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and others are safe.
US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu both released video statements confirming the joint operation—codenamed “Operation Epic Fury” by the US and “Roaring Lion” by Israel—describing it as pre-emptive to neutralize threats from Iran’s missile arsenal, navy, nuclear ambitions, and support for regional proxies. Trump urged Iranian forces to surrender and called on the population to overthrow the regime, while acknowledging potential US casualties. Netanyahu praised the collaboration as historic and necessary to eliminate an existential threat.
Iran responded with missile and drone attacks on Israel and US military bases across the Gulf, including in Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia. Gulf states have closed airspace in several areas, placed forces on high alert, and expressed concern over potential spillover and disruptions to global energy supplies. Oil prices have surged sharply in reaction to the escalation.
The strikes follow a period of indirect nuclear negotiations mediated by Oman, with the latest round concluding in Geneva on Thursday. Omani Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi, speaking after a meeting with US Vice President JD Vance on Friday, had described progress toward a deal as “within our reach” and stated that “peace is within our reach.” The sudden military action has cast doubt on the viability of ongoing diplomacy.
This is not the first direct confrontation in recent years. In June 2025, Israel launched a 12-day war against Iran, with the United States later joining and conducting strikes on three Iranian nuclear facilities (Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan). Those actions were said to have set back—but not eliminated—Iran’s nuclear capabilities, according to International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) assessments.
The EU’s call for restraint aligns with broader international reactions. Russia and China have condemned the strikes as violations of sovereignty, while the United Nations Security Council convened an emergency session. Several European member states have voiced concern over the risk of a wider regional war, potential refugee flows, and threats to energy security.
As the situation develops, the EU has reiterated its dual-track approach: maintaining pressure through sanctions while supporting diplomatic channels to prevent further escalation. With ongoing missile exchanges and airspace restrictions across the region, the coming hours and days will be critical in determining whether the conflict can be contained or spirals into a broader confrontation.
