EU to continue diplomatic efforts to reduce Middle East tensions

The European Union will continue using "all diplomatic efforts" to reduce tensions in the Middle East and contribute to regional stability, an EU Commission spokesperson said Tuesday.

"The whole Middle East stands to lose from the current situation and a prolonged war," Anouar El Anouni told reporters at a press briefing.

He said the EU remains in close contact with its partners in the region, highlighting recent outreach by senior European officials to contribute to de-escalation efforts.

According to El Anouni, the EU is firmly committed, alongside its member states, to safeguarding regional security and stability.

"We will continue to contribute, using all diplomatic efforts to reduce tensions and to bring about a lasting solution to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon," he said.

The spokesperson also said the EU is in close contact with the US, both bilaterally and within the framework of the G7, amid escalating tensions between Washington and Tehran.

Reiterating the bloc's long-standing position, he said the EU has always supported a diplomatic solution but urged Tehran to "genuinely change its behavior."

Tension escalated across the region when the US and Israel launched a large-scale attack on Iran on Saturday which has so far killed nearly 800 people, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Tehran has responded with drone and missile strikes targeting Israel as well as Gulf countries which are home to US assets.