EU Commission chief calls for regional stability in Middle East

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen expressed support for Israel’s right to self-defence during a conversation with Israeli President Isaac Herzog, amid rising tensions in the Middle East.

In a post shared on social media platform X, von der Leyen emphasised the importance of safeguarding civilians while maintaining regional stability, Caliber.Az reports.

“I reiterated Israel’s right to defend itself and protect its people. At the same time, preserving regional stability is vital,” she wrote. 

She called on all parties involved in the conflict to exercise “maximum restraint” and to prioritise diplomatic efforts to prevent further escalation.

“I urge all parties to act with maximum restraint and work to de-escalate the situation," she added.

Tensions between Iran and Israel dramatically escalated, following a series of retaliatory missile and air strikes between the two archrivals. The exchange began after Israel launched its largest-ever air offensive against Iran on June 13, targeting senior military commanders, nuclear scientists, strategic military sites, and the Natanz underground nuclear facility—long suspected by Western powers of being central to Iran’s alleged nuclear weapons ambitions. Tehran has consistently denied pursuing nuclear weapons, insisting its uranium enrichment activities are for peaceful, civilian purposes.

In response to the Israeli strikes, Iran’s state media reported that the Islamic Republic launched hundreds of ballistic missiles at Israeli targets, vowing severe retaliation. Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei accused Israel of starting a war, while a senior Iranian official warned that “nowhere in Israel would be safe” from further attacks. Israel, for its part, claimed significant damage to the Natanz facility, though officials noted it may take time to fully assess the impact.

Iran has also accused the United States of complicity in the Israeli operation and warned that Washington shares full responsibility for any consequences arising from the conflict.

By Sabina Mammadli