UPDATE 2 - EU calls for maximum restraint, respecting international law following Israel-US attack on Iran

ADDS EU FOREIGN POLICY CHIEF'S ANNOUNCEMENT; CHANGES DECK

By Melike Pala

BRUSSELS (AA) - The European Union on Saturday urged all parties to exercise maximum restraint, protect civilians, and fully respect international law after the US and Israel launched an attack on Iran, reaffirming its commitment to regional security and stability.

In a joint statement shared on US social media platform X, European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the situation in Iran is "greatly concerning," noting that the EU remains in close contact with partners across the region.

"We reaffirm our steadfast commitment to safeguarding regional security and stability," the leaders said, stressing that ensuring nuclear safety and preventing actions that could further escalate tensions or undermine the global non-proliferation regime are of "critical importance."

The statement noted that the EU has adopted extensive sanctions in response to the actions of Iran’s "murderous regime" and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, while consistently promoting diplomatic efforts to address Tehran's nuclear and ballistic programs through a negotiated solution.

Costa and von der Leyen also underscored that, in close coordination with EU member states, all necessary steps will be taken to ensure EU citizens in the region can rely on full support.

"We call on all parties to exercise maximum restraint, to protect civilians, and to fully respect international law," the statement said.

Later on Saturday, von der Leyen announced that she will convene a special meeting of the European Commission's Security College on Monday in response to the evolving situation in Iran.

"For regional security and stability, it is of the utmost importance that there is no further escalation through Iran’s unjustified attacks on partners in the region," she said on X.

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas also said the member states' foreign ministers will meet via video conference on Sunday as tensions continue to rise across the region.

"I have been in contact with our partners in the Gulf countries. The Iranian regime’s indiscriminate attacks against its neighbours carry the risk of dragging the region into a broader war and we condemn this," she wrote on X.

The US and Israel launched a joint attack on Iran early Saturday, claiming it was meant to remove "threats" posed by the Iranian "regime."

Separate video statements were released by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US President Donald Trump, which also hinted at supporting efforts for a change in government in Tehran.

Iran termed the strikes a violation of sovereignty and launched retaliatory strikes.