Brussels/Paris/Berlin/London – March 1, 2026 – A chorus of European leaders on Saturday expressed deep alarm over the joint US-Israeli military strikes on Iran, calling for immediate de-escalation, protection of civilians, full respect for international law, and a swift return to diplomacy amid fears of a wider regional war.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa issued a joint statement describing the developments as “greatly concerning.” They reaffirmed the EU’s “steadfast commitment to safeguarding regional security and stability,” stressing that “ensuring nuclear safety and preventing any actions that could further escalate tensions or undermine the global non-proliferation regime is of critical importance.” The leaders urged all parties “to exercise maximum restraint, to protect civilians, and to fully respect international law.”
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas described the situation as “perilous,” emphasizing the protection of civilians and adherence to international humanitarian law as top priorities. On X, she wrote: “Our consular network is fully engaged in facilitating departures for EU citizens. Non-essential EU personnel are being withdrawn from the region. Our Aspides naval mission remains on high alert in the Red Sea and stands ready to help keep the maritime corridor open.”
A British government spokesperson told the BBC that the UK “does not want to see further escalation into a wider regional conflict.” The spokesperson added: “As part of our longstanding commitments to the security of our allies in the Middle East, we have a range of defensive capabilities in the region, which we have recently bolstered. We stand ready to protect our interests.”
The German government confirmed it had been informed in advance by Washington about the start of military action in Iran and is “closely coordinating” with European allies.
Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares posted on X that he is “closely following the serious situation” and demanded respect for international law. “Violence only brings chaos. De-escalation and dialogue are the path to peace and stability,” he wrote.
Norway’s Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide told broadcaster NRK he is “deeply concerned that we will now have a new, extensive war in the Middle East,” describing the failure of US-Iran negotiations as “very regrettable” and urging all parties to show restraint and pursue diplomatic resolution. “This could develop in a dangerous direction for all of us,” he warned.
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen told TV2 the situation is “very regrettable” and called for restraint while voicing support for regime change in Iran. “Iran bears significant responsibility for the negative developments in the region and for security risks in the West,” she said.
Swedish Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard wrote on X that “Iran bears significant responsibility” and urged restraint. “In an already tense region, the government calls for restraint and an immediate return to diplomatic negotiations.”
Finnish President Alexander Stubb told broadcaster Yle that the US appears to be operating “largely outside traditional international law,” noting that justification for such attacks usually involves the UN or allies. “Usually, justification for these types of attacks has been sought either from the UN or at least from allies. Now, not much has been asked about this,” he said. Stubb warned that escalation is “very possible” and called for a negotiated solution. On X, he later reaffirmed support for diplomacy: “The Iranian regime must engage in negotiations in good faith and stop its destabilising activities. We condemn all actions that seek to escalate the conflict in the region and urge for utmost restraint.”
Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo posted on X: “Now the most important thing is to stop the strikes and any possible counterstrikes as quickly as possible. Finland considers it important to return to dialogue and diplomacy in order to achieve a sustainable solution to the situation with Iran.”
The Swiss Foreign Ministry called for “full respect” of international law and urged “maximum restraint, protect civilians and civilian infrastructure.” The Netherlands’ Foreign Minister Tom Berendsen wrote on X that The Hague is “closely following the situation” and calls on all parties to “exercise restraint and prevent further escalation.” “Stability in the region is essential,” he added.
Slovenian Foreign Minister Tanja Fajon and Latvian Foreign Minister Baiba Braze separately called for de-escalation and restraint. Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker posted on X: “The recent developments in the Middle East give cause for the utmost concern. The top priority now is to protect the lives of civilians and to avoid further escalation.” While underlining that “Iran must never gain possession of a nuclear weapon,” he called for an urgent return to diplomacy.
Irish Taoiseach Micheál Martin issued a statement expressing deep concern over “the real potential that exists for escalation and wider conflict in the region.” He urged all parties to exercise restraint and stated: “Ireland has always believed that conflict should be resolved through diplomacy and negotiation, in line with the principles of the UN Charter and international law. That must apply in this situation as much as in any other.” Martin added: “The protection of civilian life in Iran, in Israel and in all neighboring countries must now be paramount. There can be no question but that the regime in Iran is a brutal and repressive one. We have been clear that it must never be allowed to acquire nuclear weapons.”
The strikes—codenamed “Lion’s Roar” by Israel and “Operation Epic Fury” by the US—targeted Iranian military sites, missile facilities, and reportedly senior leadership. Iran launched retaliatory missile and drone attacks on Israel and US bases in the Gulf. Civilian casualties have been reported, including five students killed at a school in Minab. The escalation follows the June 2025 12-day Israel-Iran war and occurred despite ongoing Oman-mediated nuclear talks, with the latest Geneva round ending Thursday.
European leaders’ unified call for restraint and diplomacy reflects the continent’s preference for negotiated solutions amid fears of energy disruptions, refugee flows, and broader instability.
