EU Leaders Discuss Iran Situation with Middle Eastern Counterparts

On March 9, European Union leaders held a video conference with Middle Eastern leaders to discuss the latest developments in Iran. According to Jin10, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Costa expressed the EU's willingness to de-escalate the current situation in Iran and encourage all parties to return to the negotiating table. In a joint statement released after the meeting, EU leaders emphasized that the rules-based international order is under pressure and that dialogue and diplomacy are the only viable solutions. They reiterated their commitment to maintaining regional stability, called for the protection of civilians, and stressed the importance of fully respecting international law and humanitarian law, as well as adhering to the principles of the United Nations Charter. The statement also mentioned that the EU would adjust and strengthen actions to protect critical waterways and prevent disruptions in important supply chains, in response to the challenges posed by the current situation.