Top EU diplomats to convene emergency meeting on Israel-Iran conflict

In response to the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran, the European Union has scheduled an urgent video conference of its foreign ministers for June 17 to discuss the ongoing hostilities and explore “possible next steps” to facilitate de-escalation, an official from the office of EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas announced.

“In light of the gravity of the situation in the Middle East, EU High Representative Kaja Kallas has convened a meeting of EU foreign affairs ministers via video link for June 17,” the official said, emphasizing the urgency of coordinated diplomatic action amid intensifying exchanges of missile and drone strikes between Iran and Israel, Caliber.Az reports per foreign media.

The conflict erupted on June 13 following a surprise Israeli assault on Iranian nuclear and military installations, resulting in a mounting death toll on both sides. As tensions continue to escalate, the EU ministers’ meeting aims to provide a platform for member states to exchange views, coordinate diplomatic outreach to Tel Aviv and Tehran, and deliberate on “possible next steps” to curb the violence.

The official reiterated the European Union’s steadfast commitment to “regional security and de-escalation,” underscoring that the bloc will exert “all diplomatic efforts to reduce tensions and to find a lasting solution to the Iranian nuclear issue which can only be through a negotiated deal.”

By Vafa Guliyeva