ISTANBUL/LONDON 

Several European leaders have voiced their concerns along with calls for de-escalation and restraint after Israel and the US launched an attack on Iran on Saturday.

In a joint statement, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa described the developments in Iran as "greatly concerning," reaffirming their "steadfast commitment to safeguarding regional security and stability."

"Ensuring nuclear safety and preventing any actions that could further escalate tensions or undermine the global non-proliferation regime is of critical importance," they noted, calling on all parties "to exercise maximum restraint, to protect civilians, and to fully respect international law."

For her part, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas called the recent developments "perilous," stressing the need to protect civilians and international humanitarian law as "a priority."

"Our consular network is fully engaged in facilitating departures for EU citizens. Non-essential EU personnel are being withdrawn from the region. Our Aspides naval mission remains on high alert in the Red Sea and stands ready to help keep the maritime corridor open," she wrote on US social media platform X.

A British government spokesperson told the BBC that the UK "does not want to see further escalation into a wider regional conflict."

"As part of our longstanding commitments to the security of our allies in the Middle East, we have a range of defensive capabilities in the region, which we have recently bolstered. We stand ready to protect our interests," the spokesperson underscored.

The German government also announced that it had been informed in advance by Washington about the start of the military action in Iran and is “closely coordinating” with its European allies.

'Violence only brings chaos'

Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares said on X that he is "closely following the serious situation," and demanded respect for international law. "Violence only brings chaos. De-escalation and dialogue are the path to peace and stability."

"I am deeply concerned that we will now have a new, extensive war in the Middle East," Norway's Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide told broadcaster NRK.

Describing it as “very regrettable” that US-Iran negotiations failed to produce a diplomatic breakthrough, he urged all parties to show restraint and continue pursuing a diplomatic resolution to the conflict.

"This could develop in a dangerous direction for all of us," Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen also told broadcaster TV2.

While voicing support for regime change in Iran, Frederiksen called on parties to try to get the situation under control.

"Iran bears significant responsibility for the negative developments in the region and for security risks in the West. In an already tense region, the government calls for restraint and an immediate return to diplomatic negotiations," Swedish Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard also wrote on X.

Finnish President Alexander Stubb argued that the US is currently operating largely outside traditional international law. "Usually, justification for these types of attacks has been sought either from the UN or at least from allies. Now, not much has been asked about this."

Warning that the risk of escalation is "very possible," he called for a negotiated solution as part of his interview with broadcaster Yle.

"I'm pretty sure that President Trump won't have any middlemen involved in this," Stubb added.

Stubb later reaffirmed on X that they continue to support diplomatic efforts aimed at ending Iran's nuclear program and strengthening security in the region.

"The Iranian regime must engage in negotiations in good faith and stop its destabilising activities. We condemn all actions that seek to escalate the conflict in the region and urge for utmost restraint," he said.

Call for dialogue

For his part, Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo also commented on the escalating tensions in the region on X.

"Now the most important thing is to stop the strikes and any possible counterstrikes as quickly as possible. Finland considers it important to return to dialogue and diplomacy in order to achieve a sustainable solution to the situation with Iran," Orpo said.

The Swiss Foreign Ministry also called for "full respect" of international law and urged all parties to exercise "maximum restraint, protect civilians and civilian infrastructure."

"The cabinet is closely following the situation in Iran, Israel, and the broader region and is in contact with our embassies about this. The Netherlands calls on all parties to exercise restraint and prevent further escalation. Stability in the region is essential," Dutch Foreign Minister Tom Berendsen also wrote on X.

Slovenian Foreign Minister Tanja Fajon and her Latvian counterpart Baiba Braze also called for de-escalation and restraint by all parties in separate statements issued on their social media accounts.

Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker also wrote on X: "The recent developments in the Middle East give cause for the utmost concern. The top priority now is to protect the lives of civilians and to avoid further escalation."

While underlining that Iran "must never gain possession of a nuclear weapon," Stocker called for an urgent return to diplomacy.

Ireland urges all parties to exercise restraint

Irish Taoiseach or Prime Minister Micheal Martin also said in a statement that he is "deeply concerned by developments in Iran and the real potential that exists for escalation and wider conflict in the region."

"I strongly urge all parties to exercise restraint and to work to avoid that outcome," he added.

"Ireland has always believed that conflict should be resolved through diplomacy and negotiation, in line with the principles of the UN Charter and international law. That must apply in this situation as much as in any other," he underlined.

"The protection of civilian life in Iran, in Israel and in all neighboring countries must now be paramount. There can be no question but that the regime in Iran is a brutal and repressive one," he said.

"We have been clear that it must never be allowed to acquire nuclear weapons, and we have supported international efforts to ensure its compliance with its obligations in international law," he underlined.

Israel and the US announced early Saturday a joint operation against Iran, citing "threats" posed by the "Iranian regime."

The attacks come as talks between Washington and Tehran over Iran's nuclear program had been ongoing under Oman's mediation. A new round of talks in Geneva ended on Thursday.

Last June, the US struck three Iranian nuclear sites during the 12-day Israel-Iran war.