- EU member states called on Iran to exercise restraint and respect international law.
- The Union described Iran’s attacks and violations of the sovereignty of regional countries as unjustifiable.
- The EU has already imposed extensive sanctions on Iran and is considering additional security measures.
- France is moving the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle to the eastern Mediterranean.
In a joint statement on the situation in Iran and the Middle East on Sunday, EU member states called for maximum restraint, protection of civilians and compliance with international law. They described Iran’s attacks and violations of the sovereignty of several regional countries as inexcusable. They also warned that The Middle East has a lot to lose in a protracted war. TASR informs about it.
“The European Union consistently appeals to Iran to end its nuclear program, curb its ballistic missile program, refrain from destabilizing activities in the region and Europe, and stop the horrific violence and repression against its own population.” it is written in a statement published on the website of the Council of the EU on behalf of the head of EU diplomacy Kaja Kallas after an extraordinary ministerial meeting.
EU states noted that the Union has adopted extensive sanctions against Iran and is ready to introduce additional measures to protect its security and interests. According to them, Iran must refrain from “indiscriminate military strikes”. “The events taking place in Iran must not lead to an escalation that could threaten the Middle East, Europe and other regions with unpredictable consequences, including in the economic field,” it is stated further in the joint opinion.
According to him, the EU is in contact with regional partners and will continue to contribute “to all diplomatic efforts to ease tensions and reach a lasting solution that prevents Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon.” At the same time, the Union and its member states are taking all necessary steps to ensure the safety of their citizens stranded in the region. If necessary, they are also ready to activate the EU civil protection mechanism.
The declaration concludes by expressing solidarity with Iranians and supporting their fundamental aspirations for a future in which their universal human rights and fundamental freedoms are fully respected. The United States and Israel launched a coordinated, large-scale military strike against Iran on Saturday, to which Tehran responded with retaliatory missile and drone attacks on Israel and the Gulf states.
France is moving an aircraft carrier to the Mediterranean
France is moving its aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle from the Baltic Sea to the eastern Mediterranean, the BFMTV station reported on Sunday, citing unnamed sources. A group of French Navy ships, led by an aircraft carrier named after former post-war leader Charles de Gaulle, took part in exercises in the Baltic Sea.
However, according to BFMTV, she ended the maneuvers prematurely and is currently returning to the eastern Mediterranean. The reason for the interruption of the deployment is not immediately known, but the TV station reported on the transfer at a time of ongoing fighting in the Middle East. The United States and Israel launched a coordinated military operation against Iran on Saturday. Tehran responded with retaliatory attacks on Israel and the Gulf states.
French President Emmanuel Macron stressed on Saturday that the escalation between the US, Israel and Iran must end. However, according to him, Paris is ready to deploy the necessary resources to protect its closest partners if they ask for it. French troops are present in the Middle East at several bases, primarily in Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and Jordan, which, along with bases in Kuwait and Bahrain, have been targeted by Iranian retaliatory strikes.
