The European Union (EU) on Tuesday called for maximum restraint and full respect for international law amid escalating tensions between the United States and Iran, stressing its rejection of any threats against critical civilian infrastructure, reported Xinhua.
"We have always said that diplomacy is the answer," Anitta Hipper, the European Commission's lead spokesperson for foreign affairs and security policy, said at a press briefing.
Hipper reiterated that the EU rejects "any threats to attacks regarding critical civilian infrastructure," warning that such actions could have devastating humanitarian consequences across the region and beyond, and could further escalate tensions.
"The EU calls for maximum restraint, the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure, and full respect of international law and international humanitarian law by all parties," she said.
The remarks came as concerns mounted over a sharp deterioration in the Middle East situation. U.S. President Donald Trump said on Monday that Iran could be "taken out" in one night, adding that night "might" be Tuesday evening – the deadline he set for Iran to reach a deal and reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
Norwegian PM voices alarm over Trump's threats against Iran
Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store on Tuesday voiced alarm over U.S. President Donald Trump's latest threats against Iran, saying the conflict in the Middle East cannot be resolved through military means.
Developments on Tuesday were "worrying signs," and any solution must be diplomatic rather than military, Store said, according to Norwegian broadcaster NRK.
"You will not get ships out of the Strait of Hormuz by pursuing a military track. This has to move into something diplomatic," Store was quoted as saying.
He added that Trump's threats carried serious implications for civilians and expressed hope that the remarks would remain words rather than lead to action.
Trump said on Tuesday morning that Iran's "whole civilization will die tonight" if no deal is reached within a deadline he set for Tehran, signaling a possible sharp escalation in tensions.
Also on Tuesday, Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide said in a statement that the Middle East was facing "a very dramatic and dangerous 24 hours."
He said Trump's threats of further escalation, together with Iran's warning that it would respond with corresponding attacks against countries in the region, were "deeply worrying," and cautioned that the situation could deteriorate further.
French FM opposes strikes on Iranian civilian infrastructure
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot on Tuesday firmly opposed any strikes on Iranian civilian infrastructure, following U.S. President Donald Trump's threats to strike Iran's civilian sites and energy infrastructure.
Speaking on French radio France Info, Barrot warned that any strike on civilian infrastructure would trigger "a new phase of escalation and reprisals."
Meanwhile, the minister called for the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, whose blockage is paralyzing the global economy.
Trump said on Tuesday morning that Iran's "whole civilization will die tonight," a deadline he set for Iran to make a deal and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, signaling a possible sharp escalation in tensions.
According to media reports, U.S. forces have struck military targets on Kharg Island, a key hub for Iran's oil exports, overnight. Airstrikes also hit multiple railway lines across Iran on Tuesday. Iran's Islamic Revolution Guard Corps warned on the same day that if the U.S. army crosses the red line in attacking civilian targets, Iran's response "will go beyond the region."
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Source: www.dailyfinland.fi
