Germany, France, UK urge Iran not to take any further action as it will destabilize region

ISTANBUL

Germany, France, and the UK on Sunday issued a joint statement urging Iran not to take any further action that could destabilize the region following US attacks on nuclear facilities.

"We urge Iran not to take any further action that could destabilize the region," the E3 countries said.

The joint statement came several hours after the US launched strikes on Iran’s nuclear sites, including the Fordo facility, using bunker-buster bombs and cruise missiles.

They reaffirmed that they would continue their "joint diplomatic efforts to defuse tensions" and ensure that the conflict does not intensify.

"We call upon Iran to engage in negotiations leading to an agreement that addresses all concerns associated with its nuclear program. We stand ready to contribute to that goal in coordination with all parties," they noted.

They further reiterated their "aim" to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon and their "commitment" to "peace and stability," while also voicing "support" for the "security of Israel."

"We have consistently been clear that Iran can never have a nuclear weapon and can no longer pose a threat to regional security," they also said.

US President Donald Trump said early Sunday that his forces bombed three Iranian nuclear sites in Fordo, Natanz, and Isfahan.

The US targeted Iran’s nuclear sites with six bunker-buster bombs dropped on the Fordo facility with B-2 stealth bombers, along with dozens of submarine-launched cruise missile strikes on the Natanz and Isfahan facilities.

The attacks came as the latest escalation in a US-backed Israeli military assault on Iran since June 13, prompting Tehran to launch retaliatory attacks on Israel.

Israeli authorities said at least 25 people have been killed and hundreds injured since then in Iranian missile attacks.