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Madam President,

I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Union and its Member States. 

We expressed our deepest concern at the dangerous escalation that threatens to destabilise the Middle East following Israeli strikes on Iran and Iran’s response. 

Today, we reiterate our strong commitment to regional security, including the security of the State of Israel, and call on all sides to abide by international law, show restraint and refrain from taking further steps, which could lead to serious consequences such as potential radioactive release.

The EU has always been clear that Iran must never be allowed to acquire a nuclear weapon and is concerned about the IAEA’s recent report based on which the IAEA Board of Governors found Iran in non-compliance with its legally binding nuclear safeguards obligations under the NPT. But lasting security is built through diplomacy, not military action.

We believe that diplomacy must prevail. The EU spares no effort to reduce tensions and to find a lasting solution to the Iranian nuclear issue which can only be through a negotiated deal.

Madam President,

We, both EU Member States Ministers and the EU High Representative have taken numerous bilateral contacts since the start of the conflict with all stakeholders, including phone conversation with our Iranian counterparts to call on Iran to take decisive steps to return to negotiations and pave the way for a diplomatic solution. 

In this vein, the High Representative and the E3 Ministers are meeting today the Iranian Minister of Foreign Affairs.

We will continue to engage for de-escalation, and in view of a lasting solution.

Thank you.