BRUSSELS: The European Union called for “utmost restraint” on Saturday after Israel launched airstrikes on Iranian military targets, heightening fears of a broader regional war.
The strikes, which Israel claims were in response to a recent Iranian missile barrage, left two Iranian soldiers dead and targeted military installations across the country.
“The dangerous cycle of attacks and retaliations risks causing a further expansion of the regional conflict,” the EU said in an official statement. “While acknowledging Israel’s right to self-defence, the EU calls on all parties to exercise utmost restraint to avoid an uncontrollable escalation, which is in no one’s interest.”
The latest escalation began when Israel conducted strikes on Iranian missile factories and other military facilities in response to a large-scale Iranian missile attack on October 1. According to Israeli sources, Iran had fired around 200 ballistic missiles toward Israel.
In a statement, Israel warned that Iran would “pay a heavy price” if it retaliated against Saturday’s strikes. The Israeli military claimed that its actions were strictly targeted at military sites and that its air units had safely returned after the mission. Meanwhile, Iran insisted on its right to defend itself against further incursions, raising concerns of a potential counterattack.
The EU emphasized that its priority is to help de-escalate the situation and remain in close contact with “all relevant actors” in the region. “The strikes come amid severe and growing regional tensions,” the 27-nation bloc said.
