European allies are urging Israel to exercise restraint in response to Iran’s recent aerial attack. The attack, characterized by 300 drones, missiles, and cruise missiles, marked Tehran’s first state-on-state attack against Israel. Despite condemning the attack, European leaders are concerned about potential escalation and are calling for all parties to show utmost restraint.
As Israel contemplates its response, the EU is preparing to discuss a collective reaction. Options include imposing additional sanctions on Iran to prevent further escalation in the region. Although there are nuanced differences in Europe’s stance, countries like Germany are placing the responsibility on Iran to prevent further escalation.
The UK’s Foreign Minister acknowledged Iran’s right to respond to perceived aggression but criticized the scale of the recent attack. Calls for restraint align with the White House’s stance, with President Joe Biden suggesting that Israel’s successful interception of missiles should be considered a victory without the need for further retaliation.
Analysts agree that Israel’s response will play a crucial role in determining future security in the region. The EU may use diplomatic and economic tools, including potential sanctions, to pressure Israel into restraint. However, there is no unanimous support for suspending trade ties with Israel among member states.
The EU’s foreign ministers are expected to discuss their response, potentially including further sanctions on Iran. The bloc firmly rejects allegations of double standards and has condemned both Iran’s attack on Israel and Israel’s strike on Iran’s consulate in Damascus as violations of international law. Iran’s summoning of European ambassadors over alleged double standards and rejection of a UN Security Council resolution condemning Israel’s strike further complicates the situation.
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