European foreign ministers urged a diplomatic solution to rising U.S.-Iran tensions following U.S. airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, as leaders gathered in Brussels to discuss the escalating crisis.
European foreign ministers renewed calls for diplomacy between the United States and Iran on Monday as they convened in Brussels. The calls came after the U.S. conducted airstrikes on three Iranian nuclear sites, escalating the conflict and bringing Washington directly into Israel’s ongoing war with Iran.
Prior to the strikes, European leaders had traveled to Geneva to meet with Iran’s foreign minister in a last-minute effort to deescalate tensions, but the attempt was unsuccessful.
“There needs to be a diplomatic solution,” said Kaja Kallas, the EU’s top diplomat, ahead of Monday’s meeting. “Europe has [an] important role and always had. When Iran is willing to talk to us, we have to use this opportunity.”
Italy’s Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani proposed Rome as a potential venue for talks, urging all parties to “look to the future, not to the past.” French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot emphasized that only negotiations can provide a lasting solution to restrict Iran’s nuclear program and address concerns for Israel, the region, and Europe.
Germany’s Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul stated that Europe holds a strong position, with Iran willing to negotiate with Europe, but highlighted the need for U.S. involvement in any talks. Wadephul noted that Europeans had told Iran on Friday to be ready to negotiate directly with the U.S., but this effort did not succeed.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen posted on X that negotiations are the only way to resolve the crisis.
While most ministers refrained from commenting on U.S. involvement in restarting negotiations, Ireland’s Tánaiste Simon Harris described the U.S. attack as a “very unhelpful intervention” that increased danger in the region and referenced international law.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Sunday that the U.S. bombing of Fordo, Natanz, and Isfahan nuclear sites was “extremely dangerous, lawless and criminal behavior” and a “grave violation” of international law. Araghchi accused Israel and Washington of sabotaging diplomatic efforts to resolve tensions over Tehran’s nuclear program.
Israel’s foreign minister previously rejected a diplomatic solution to the conflict, and Iran has stated there will be no negotiations until Israel ceases its strikes.
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