EU rules out Russia's mediation role in Middle East conflict

BRUSSELS

The European Union has ruled out any role for Russia in mediating the escalating conflict in the Middle East, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said Tuesday following an extraordinary meeting of EU foreign ministers.

Kallas, speaking after an informal video conference on the Middle East crisis, said that Russia is in no position to act as mediator. "Clearly, President Putin is not somebody who can talk about peace while we see actions like this. He's not a mediator that can't really be considered."

Kallas emphasized that Iran's military cooperation with Russia in Ukraine further disqualifies Moscow as a neutral intermediary.

The past five days of rising tensions and cross-border attacks between Iran and Israel prompted EU ministers to gather on Tuesday via video conference to address the escalating conflict.

'Iran cannot have a nuclear bomb'

Kallas said the foreign ministers agreed on the urgent need for de-escalation and a diplomatic solution to prevent further violence. “Iran cannot have a nuclear bomb, and diplomacy is the solution to prevent this,” she said.

Kallas stressed the EU's readiness to help resolve the crisis through diplomatic means, adding that the bloc is actively engaging with both Tehran and Tel Aviv to de-escalate the situation, underscoring that regional stability is in everyone's interest.

The EU's role, she explained, is particularly crucial. "(The) EU will play its part. And I think, considering the developments, (the) European Union actually has a bigger role now that Iran and US talks have been hindered," she said.

The bloc has also activated its civil protection mechanisms to assist citizens fleeing the region and pledged to address the conflict’s impact on global energy markets.

Kallas noted that the humanitarian crisis in Gaza remains a key concern and reiterated calls for a ceasefire, the release of hostages and unrestricted humanitarian aid access.

She added that EU foreign ministers will review the EU-Israel Association Agreements during the next Foreign Affairs Council meeting, scheduled for June 23.