The EU warns that the escalation in the Middle East may have unpredictable consequences and does not rule out additional sanctions against Iran.

The High Representative of the EU states that the Union is following developments in Iran and the Middle East with "the greatest concern", condemns the attacks and violations of sovereignty attributed to Iran as "unacceptable", warns of the risk of escalation with economic impacts, and says that the EU will continue to protect its security and interests, including through additional sanctions.

The High Representative of the European Union declared that the EU is following developments in Iran and the Middle East with "the greatest concern", warned that events should not lead to an escalation that could threaten the Middle East, Europe, and beyond, with unpredictable consequences, including economically, and conveyed that the EU will continue to protect its security and interests, including through additional sanctions.

In summary

1. The EU is following developments in Iran and the Middle East with "the greatest concern" and states that it will continue to protect its security and interests, including through additional sanctions.

2. The statement specifies that the EU has adopted extensive sanctions against Iranian authorities for repression and human rights violations, threats to regional and European security, nuclear and ballistic programs, and support for armed groups in the Middle East.

3. The EU calls for "maximum restraint", the protection of civilians, and full respect for international law, including the principles of the UN Charter and international humanitarian law.

4. The EU says it will continue diplomatic efforts to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon and emphasizes that full cooperation with the IAEA and compliance with obligations under the Non-Proliferation Treaty and safeguard agreements are "crucial", and that nuclear safety is a critical priority.

5. The statement highlights the importance of maritime security and freedom of navigation and warns that disruption of critical shipping routes, such as the Strait of Hormuz, must be avoided.

In the statement issued on behalf of the Union, the High Representative states that the EU has adopted extensive sanctions in response to the actions of the Iranian authorities, citing both brutal repression and human rights violations against the Iranian population, as well as threats to regional, European, and international security, through Iran's ballistic and nuclear programs and support for armed groups in the Middle East. The High Representative states that the EU will continue to protect its security and interests, including "through additional sanctions".

The text calls for "maximum restraint", the protection of civilians, and full respect for international law, including the principles of the UN Charter and international humanitarian law, warning that the Middle East "has much to lose" from any prolonged war.

The statement qualifies the attacks by Iran and the violation of the sovereignty of several countries in the region as "unacceptable" and states that Iran must refrain from indiscriminate military strikes. The EU expresses its solidarity with regional partners who have been attacked or affected and reaffirms its commitment to regional stability and the protection of civilian life.

On the nuclear dimension, the EU states that it will continue to contribute to all diplomatic efforts to reduce tensions and to achieve a sustainable solution that prevents Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon. The statement emphasizes that "full cooperation" with the International Atomic Energy Agency and compliance with Iran's legal obligations under the Non-Proliferation Treaty and the safeguard agreement are "crucial" and that nuclear safety is a "critical priority".

The text explicitly introduces the economic dimension of an escalation, warning that events in Iran must not lead to an escalation that could threaten the Middle East, Europe, and beyond, with unpredictable consequences, including "economically". In this context, the statement calls for avoiding any disruption of critical shipping routes, such as the Strait of Hormuz, and emphasizes that maritime security and freedom of navigation are of "the utmost importance".

Regarding the protection of EU citizens, the statement specifies that the EU and member states "take all necessary measures" to ensure their safety in the region, including by activating the EU Civil Protection Mechanism, if necessary.

Finally, the EU reaffirms its solidarity with the Iranian people and declares that it "firmly" supports their fundamental aspirations for a future in which human rights and fundamental freedoms are fully respected.

The EU statement combines three lines of messaging: maintaining and the possibility of extending sanctions, a call for de-escalation and respect for international law, and an emphasis on non-proliferation and nuclear safety, with explicit references to cooperation with the IAEA and Iran's obligations under the Non-Proliferation Treaty. The text also introduces an economic dimension, through the warning related to the disruption of critical shipping routes, including the Strait of Hormuz, and includes a commitment regarding the protection of EU citizens, including through the activation of the EU Civil Protection Mechanism, if necessary.

https://2eu.brussels/ro/stiri/ue-avertizeaza-ca-escaladarea-din-orientul-mijlociu-poate-avea-consecinte-imprevizibile-si-nu-exclude-sanctiuni-suplimentare-impotriva-iranului