The European Union has consistently urged Israel to avoid escalating tensions with Iran, particularly following Israel’s military strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities starting June 13, 2025, and to prioritize diplomacy to address Iran’s nuclear program. EU foreign ministers, including those from France, Germany, and the UK (the E3), held a rare ministerial call with Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi on June 16, 2025, pressing Tehran to resume nuclear negotiations with the U.S. without preconditions and refrain from further conflict with Israel. The EU emphasized that diplomacy is the only path to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, a stance reinforced by EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas and French President Emmanuel Macron, who highlighted Europe’s expertise in nuclear diplomacy.
The EU also conveyed messages to Israel, urging restraint and avoiding strikes on Iranian civilian infrastructure or leadership, as such actions could derail diplomatic efforts. EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, in discussions with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, affirmed Israel’s right to self-defense but stressed that a negotiated solution with Iran is the best long-term approach, linking de-escalation to broader regional stability, including a ceasefire in Gaza.
The EU’s position stems from concerns over Iran’s nuclear advances, especially after the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) declared Iran non-compliant with non-proliferation obligations on June 12, 2025, and reports that Iran has enriched uranium to near weapons-grade levels. The EU fears that Israel’s strikes, while aimed at delaying Iran’s nuclear program, may instead push Tehran to accelerate weaponization, as Iran threatened to withdraw from the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) on June 16, 2025.
Despite the EU’s efforts, challenges persist. Iran’s focus remains on confronting Israel’s “aggression,” and the U.S., while supportive of diplomacy, holds a dominant role in de-escalation efforts, with some EU frustration over Washington’s strategy. The collapse of scheduled U.S.-Iran nuclear talks in Oman on June 15, 2025, after Israel’s strikes further complicates the EU’s push for dialogue.
In summary, the EU advocates for urgent diplomacy to curb Iran’s nuclear ambitions and prevent a wider war, urging both Israel and Iran to de-escalate, but faces hurdles due to ongoing hostilities and differing U.S.-Israel priorities.
