ISTANBUL

France, Germany, and the UK on Monday voiced "deep concern" over rising tensions in the Middle East and called on Iran to fully cooperate with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), warning of the risks of further escalation following Israeli strikes and Iran’s response.

Delivering a joint statement on behalf of the E3 at an extraordinary IAEA Board of Governors meeting, UK Ambassador Corinne Kitsell underlined that “escalation is in the interest of no one in the region,” urging all parties to respect international law and exercise restraint.

The three countries reiterated their support for the independent mandate of the nuclear watchdog, thanking IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi for his latest update to the UN Security Council.

The statement expressed “deep concern” over Iran’s accelerating uranium enrichment activities, which the E3 said “lack any plausible civilian justification.”

It also cited remarks by Iranian officials suggesting Tehran may take measures to shield nuclear materials from IAEA inspection, a move the E3 said would be in breach of the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).

“Such statements are concerning and exacerbate the IAEA’s findings of Iran’s continued noncompliance,” it said, warning that the agency is currently unable to verify the peaceful nature of Iran’s nuclear program.

The statement said they also rejected what it called “manipulative attempts” to link the latest regional crisis to a resolution passed by the IAEA Board last week, describing such claims as “unjustified and irresponsible.”

They defended the resolution, calling it “a necessary and long-overdue step” aimed at holding Iran accountable for its failure to cooperate with the Agency over the past six years.

The statement reaffirmed the E3’s support for a diplomatic resolution to Iran’s nuclear file and the security of Israel, noting their backing for recent US-led efforts to reach a negotiated outcome.

"We regret Iran’s decision not to participate in talks scheduled this Sunday in Oman," the E3 said, adding that they would continue working closely with Washington to pursue a diplomatic path.

Regional tensions have escalated since Friday, when Israel launched coordinated airstrikes on multiple sites across Iran, including military and nuclear facilities, prompting Tehran to launch retaliatory strikes.

Israeli authorities said that at least 24 people have been killed and hundreds injured in Iranian missile attacks since Friday.

Iran, for its part, said that at least 224 people have been killed and over 1,000 others wounded in the Israeli assault.