European leaders reacted to the US and Israeli strikes on Iran, largely calling for restraint as well as de-escalation. At the same time, they said that Iran cannot have access to nuclear weapons.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said that British forces were participating in coordinated defense efforts to protect the United Kingdom’s interests and allies, but were not taking part in the strikes. In a video statement posted on X, he said, “Our forces are active and British planes are in the sky today as part of coordinated regional defensive operations to protect our people, our interests and our allies, as Britain has done before, in line with international law.”
"We've stepped up protections for British bases and personnel to their highest level,” Starmer added. He also called for de-escalation, for Iran to give up their nuclear program, and for the Iranian people to take charge of their own government.
Starmer also said that it was the "primary aim of the United Kingdom" and its allies "including the US" to prevent Iran from having a nuclear weapon.
French president Emmanuel Macron also posted a statement on X, saying the conflict carries “grave consequences for international peace and security.”
“At this decisive moment, every measure is being taken to ensure the security of our national territory, our citizens, and our interests in the Middle East,” Macron said. “France also stands ready to deploy the necessary resources to protect its closest partners, should they request it.”
Macron said the escalation is “dangerous for all” and must stop. He added that the Iranian regime “must understand that it now has no other option but to engage in good faith in negotiations to end its nuclear and ballistic programs, as well as its regional destabilization activities.”
“The Iranian people must also be able to freely build their future. The massacres committed by the Islamic regime disqualify it and demand that the voice be returned to the people. The sooner, the better,” he continued. “Faithful to its principles and aware of its international responsibilities, France is calling for an urgent meeting of the United Nations Security Council. I am in close contact with our European partners and friends in the Middle East.”
The UK, France, and Germany also issued a joint statement, in which they urged the Iranian regime to end its alleged nuclear program and ballistic missile program, refrain from its “destabilizing activity in the region and our homelands,” and “ease the appalling violence and repression against its own people.”
European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen called the developments “greatly concerning,” urging the countries involved to exercise “maximum restraint” and respect international law. Kaja Kallas, the EU’s representative for foreign affairs and security policy, said she spoke with Israel's foreign minister and that "the EU is also coordinating closely with Arab partners to explore diplomatic paths. Protection of civilians and international humanitarian law is a priority.”
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said that British forces were participating in coordinated defense efforts to protect the United Kingdom’s interests and allies, but were not taking part in the strikes. In a video statement posted on X, he said, “Our forces are active and British planes are in the sky today as part of coordinated regional defensive operations to protect our people, our interests and our allies, as Britain has done before, in line with international law.”
"We've stepped up protections for British bases and personnel to their highest level,” Starmer added. He also called for de-escalation, for Iran to give up their nuclear program, and for the Iranian people to take charge of their own government.
Starmer also said that it was the "primary aim of the United Kingdom" and its allies "including the US" to prevent Iran from having a nuclear weapon.
French president Emmanuel Macron also posted a statement on X, saying the conflict carries “grave consequences for international peace and security.”
“At this decisive moment, every measure is being taken to ensure the security of our national territory, our citizens, and our interests in the Middle East,” Macron said. “France also stands ready to deploy the necessary resources to protect its closest partners, should they request it.”
Macron said the escalation is “dangerous for all” and must stop. He added that the Iranian regime “must understand that it now has no other option but to engage in good faith in negotiations to end its nuclear and ballistic programs, as well as its regional destabilization activities.”
“The Iranian people must also be able to freely build their future. The massacres committed by the Islamic regime disqualify it and demand that the voice be returned to the people. The sooner, the better,” he continued. “Faithful to its principles and aware of its international responsibilities, France is calling for an urgent meeting of the United Nations Security Council. I am in close contact with our European partners and friends in the Middle East.”
The UK, France, and Germany also issued a joint statement, in which they urged the Iranian regime to end its alleged nuclear program and ballistic missile program, refrain from its “destabilizing activity in the region and our homelands,” and “ease the appalling violence and repression against its own people.”
European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen called the developments “greatly concerning,” urging the countries involved to exercise “maximum restraint” and respect international law. Kaja Kallas, the EU’s representative for foreign affairs and security policy, said she spoke with Israel's foreign minister and that "the EU is also coordinating closely with Arab partners to explore diplomatic paths. Protection of civilians and international humanitarian law is a priority.”
