European Leaders Urge Restraint Following Major US-Israeli Military Strikes on Iran
European governments have responded with extreme caution and are scrambling to protect their citizens in the Middle East following a major coordinated military attack by the United States and Israel on targets across Iran. The strikes, which occurred on Saturday, have pushed the volatile region closer to the brink of a wider, more devastating conflict, prompting urgent diplomatic and security measures from European capitals.
EU Evacuates Staff and Pursues Diplomatic Paths
The European Union has initiated the evacuation of some diplomatic staff from the region while maintaining its critical maritime security mission in the Red Sea. Kaja Kallas, the EU's foreign policy chief, described the Middle East situation as "perilous" and confirmed the bloc is actively working with Israeli and Arab officials to explore all possible avenues for a negotiated peace.
"Iran's regime has killed thousands. Its ballistic missile and nuclear programmes, along with support for terror groups, pose a serious threat to global security," Kallas stated in a social media post. She emphasized that the EU is coordinating closely with Arab partners to pursue diplomatic solutions, even as military actions escalate.
The EU recently imposed fresh sanctions on Iran and several of its leading figures, a move that prompted immediate retaliatory sanctions from Tehran, further complicating the diplomatic landscape.
National Governments Activate Crisis Protocols
Germany convened an emergency meeting of its crisis management team on Saturday after receiving notification of the Israeli strikes that morning. Chancellor Friedrich Merz is consulting with security ministers and European partners. The German government has urgently advised all German citizens in Iran, Israel, and the wider region to register on the official citizen abroad system and strictly follow local authority instructions for their protection.
France, with significant military bases and a regular presence in the Middle East, has called on French citizens to exercise "extreme caution." Junior Defense Minister Alice Rufo stated bluntly, "A military escalation is underway. ... It's not the time for negotiations, we are in a situation of war," comparing the current crisis to events from the previous June.
French military spokesperson Colonel Guillaume Vernet confirmed that French forces are continuously adapting their posture to threats and implementing protective measures for their installations, asserting that France's military presence guarantees an independent assessment of the situation.
Calls for Restraint and Protection of Civilians
Italy has urged its citizens to exercise the utmost caution and follow embassy guidance. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's office stated she would be in contact with regional allies and leaders to support any initiative leading to de-escalation. "Italy reiterates its support to the Iranian civilian population, who courageously continue to demand respect for their civil and political rights," her office added.
Switzerland issued a call for full respect of international law, urging all parties to exercise maximum restraint and to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure from harm.
Uncertainty Over Allied Coordination
A critical point of tension and uncertainty remains whether U.S. allies were given any advance warning of the attacks. The German government confirmed it received notice only on Saturday morning. France's junior defense minister indicated that while France anticipated some action, the specific timing of the strikes was not communicated beforehand.
The U.S. and Israeli attack represents a significant escalation, with U.S. President Donald Trump making an extraordinary appeal directly to the Iranian people to "take over your government," a statement widely interpreted as an attempt to destabilize and potentially end Iran's theocratic regime after decades of simmering tensions.
As European leaders scramble to digest the fast-moving developments, the priority across the continent is clear: ensuring the safety of their citizens and navigating a fraught diplomatic path to prevent a regional war, even as military actions on the ground continue to unfold.
