The European Union held a special meeting of foreign ministers on the 1st to address the situation in Iran. Following the meeting, a statement was released emphasizing that the EU stands with the people of Iran and urging that the current situation should not escalate and thus threaten other regions.
According to a report by Central News Agency, the statement stressed that Iran’s acts of aggression and infringement on the sovereignty of multiple countries in the region are unacceptable, and that Iran must avoid conducting indiscriminate military attacks.
On the evening of the 1st, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kallas convened the foreign ministers of EU member states for a temporary meeting via video conference. After three hours of discussion, a statement was issued.
The statement said the EU is deeply concerned about developments in Iran and the Middle East, and reiterated its solidarity with the people of Iran, supporting their aspiration for universal human rights and basic freedoms being fully respected in the future.
The EU noted in the statement that it has imposed extensive sanctions in response to the Iranian authorities’ brutal repression of the people and human rights violations, as well as actions that threaten international security through ballistic missiles, its nuclear program, and armed groups. It will continue to protect the EU’s security and interests, including through further sanctions.
The statement called on Iran not to cause a situation that escalates and threatens the Middle East, Europe, and other regions and brings unpredictable economic consequences. It also stressed that key waterways must not be disrupted.