By Martin Banks

Developments in Iran are “greatly concerning,” says the EU.  

In a statement, it said the 27-strong bloc is “in close contact with our partners in the region.”

The statement, issued by EC President Ursula von der Leyen and Council President  Antonio Costa, reads, “We reaffirm our steadfast commitment to safeguarding regional security and stability.

“Ensuring nuclear safety and preventing any actions that could further escalate tensions or undermine the global non-proliferation regime is of critical importance.”

The European Union, it said, had adopted extensive sanctions in what it says was a “response to the actions of Iran’s murderous regime and the Revolutionary Guards” and has consistently promoted diplomatic efforts aimed at addressing the nuclear and ballistic programmes through a negotiated solution.

In close coordination with EU Member States, the EU says it will take all necessary steps to ensure that EU citizens in the region “can count on our full support.”

“We call on all parties to exercise maximum restraint, to protect civilians, and to fully respect international law,” said the statement.

Political groups have also chipped in with the European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR) Group “strongly condemning” the recent escalation of hostilities in the Middle East and calling on the Iranian leadership to immediately “halt further confrontation” and return to the negotiating table.

The ECR said, “The current crisis reflects years of destabilising conduct by the regime in Tehran. For decades, Iran’s leadership has combined repression at home with interference abroad, supporting armed proxies, advancing missile capabilities and contributing to sustained regional instability.” Nicola Procaccini, Co-Chair of the ECR Group, adds, “The Iranian regime has consistently fuelled instability across the Middle East while denying its own people fundamental freedoms. Its continued escalation risks deepening the crisis and increasing civilian suffering.

“We call on Iran to return to the negotiating table, to cease further escalation and to abandon policies that perpetuate confrontation and insecurity in the region. The Mullah regime must end violence against its own people and allow them to decide their future freely.”

Patryk Jaki, Co-Chair of the ECR Group, added: “The leadership in Tehran bears responsibility for a pattern of destabilising behaviour that has brought the region to this point. Regional security cannot coexist with permanent confrontation.”

“Iran must comply fully with its international commitments, halt further military escalation and respect the fundamental rights of its own citizens.”

The ECR Group said it “underlines that particular attention must also be given to the safety of European citizens present in the region, including diplomatic staff and civilians, whose security must be safeguarded in the current volatile environment.”

The EPP group, the biggest in the EU parliament,  also put out a statement which reads, “The Mullah regime in Iran has oppressed and continues to oppress its people, destabilise the region and embrace its nuclear ambitions. It is one of the most serious threats to international security. The EPP Group condemns this barbaric regime. “

The EPP Group said it “notes with great concern the events unfolding in Iran.”

It adds, “It is of paramount importance that they do not spill over to other countries of the region and lead to a full-blown regional conflict. We express solidarity with our partners in the region who have been targeted by retaliatory Iranian strikes.

“In these perilous times we stand with and support the Iranian people who deserve better. The Iranian people are exhausted by a 47-year-long regime that treated them as domestic enemies. We demand a stop to any further repression against them.”

It hopes that events “could lead to a democratic transition in Iran that will fully reflect the Iranian people’s desire for a better, stable and prosperous future in peaceful coexistence with its neighbours.”

The centre right group adds, “We urge the EU and the Member States to take all necessary steps to ensure that all EU citizens in the region can count on support and a coordinated and speedy repatriation. We call on all parties to exercise maximum restraint, to protect civilians, and to fully respect international law.”