European Union chief Ursula von der Leyen described the developments as “greatly worrying”
The European Union called on Saturday for “maximum restraint” after targeting Iran, triggering retaliatory attacks.
The head of the European Union, Ursula von der Leyen, described the developments as “greatly worrying”, while the 27-nation bloc moved to evacuate non-essential personnel from the region.
“Ensuring nuclear security and preventing any actions that could further escalate tensions or undermine the global non-proliferation regime is of critical importance,” said von der Leyen, the President of the European Commission.
“We call on all parties to exercise maximum restraint, to protect civilians, and to fully respect international law,” she added in a joint statement with European Council President Antonio Costa.
The US and Israel launched a wave of attacks on targets in Iran on Saturday, triggering explosions in the capital Tehran, with Israel’s public broadcaster reporting that Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei had been targeted.
The Islamic republic retaliated with missile barrages against Gulf states and Israel.
Explosions were heard in the capitals of Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates — all countries hosting US forces.
Explosions were also reported in the skies over Jerusalem after the Israeli army said a “missile barrage was launched” toward the country.
“Our consular network is fully engaged in facilitating departures for EU citizens. Non-essential EU personnel are being withdrawn from the region,” said top EU diplomat Kaja Kallas.
The EU’s Aspides naval mission in the Red Sea remained on “high alert” and was ready to help keep the maritime corridor open, Kallas said, adding that she had spoken to Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar and “other ministers in the region.”
“The latest developments across the Middle East are dangerous. Iran’s regime has killed thousands. Its nuclear and ballistic missile programs, along with support for terrorist groups, pose a serious threat to global security,” she wrote on social media.
*AFP
