BAKU, Azerbaijan, February 28. The recent developments in Iran are greatly concerning, President of the European Council António Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said in a joint statement, Trend reports.
The leaders reaffirmed their commitment to safeguarding regional security and stability, emphasizing the importance of nuclear safety and preventing any actions that could escalate tensions or undermine the global non-proliferation regime.
“The European Union has adopted extensive sanctions in response to the actions of Iran’s murderous regime and the Revolutionary Guards and has consistently promoted diplomatic efforts aimed at addressing the nuclear and ballistic programmes through a negotiated solution,” the statement said.
Costa and von der Leyen also stressed that, in close coordination with EU member states, all necessary steps would be taken to ensure EU citizens in the region have full support.
"We call on all parties to exercise maximum restraint, to protect civilians, and to fully respect international law," the statement reads.
Following the second round of nuclear talks between Washington and Tehran on February 17, which ended without progress, the U.S. increased its presence in areas near Iran, deploying over 150 aircraft to bases in Europe and the Middle East.
The escalation follows the 3rd round of nuclear talks between Iran and the United States in Geneva on February 26. Held under the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump, the negotiations were seen as a last opportunity for a diplomatic resolution. However, no agreements were reached, as Tehran refused to halt uranium enrichment, dismantle its nuclear facilities, or accept indefinite restrictions on its nuclear program. On the morning of February 28, Israel and the U.S. began launching strikes on Iran from land, sea, and air.