EU urges all parties to exercise restraint in Middle East

BRUSSELS - European Union leaders called on Friday for restraint from all parties in the Middle East.

"The reports emerging from the Middle East are deeply alarming," European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on social media platform X.

"Europe urges all parties to exercise maximum restraint, de-escalate immediately and refrain from retaliation. A diplomatic resolution is now more urgent than ever."

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said in a statement that "diplomacy remains the best path forward, and I stand ready to support any diplomatic efforts toward de-escalation."

Antonio Costa, President of the European Council, which represents national governments of the EU's 27 member states, also called for restraint on X.

Israel launched large-scale strikes against Iran on Friday, saying it had attacked nuclear facilities, ballistic missile factories and military commanders at the start of a prolonged operation to prevent Tehran from building an atomic weapon.

Iran has promised a harsh response and Israel said it was working to intercept about 100 drones launched towards Israeli territory in retaliation.