EU Leaders Call for Diplomacy Amid Israel-Iran Conflict, Urge G7 Dialogue

European Union leaders, including top diplomat Kaja Kallas and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, emphasize diplomacy as the preferred solution to the escalating Israel-Iran conflict. Von der Leyen, speaking at the G7 summit, agreed with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that Iran should not possess nuclear weapons and highlighted Iran's role as the primary source of regional instability, while supporting Israel's right to self-defense. The EU leaders condemned Iran's non-compliance with its nuclear obligations as reported by the UN nuclear watchdog and noted Iran's plans to increase uranium enrichment, though not to weapons-grade levels. They also stressed the interconnected nature of the Middle East conflict with the situation in Ukraine, citing the use of Iranian-made drones and missiles in both regions. EU foreign ministers coordinated on evacuation plans for citizens amid the crisis but refrained from calling for an immediate ceasefire. Both Kallas and von der Leyen underscored the importance of coordinated diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions and stabilize the region.