EU Accuses Iran of Middle East War Escalation

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas has accused Iran of escalating the conflict in the Middle East by indiscriminately attacking other countries and attempting to draw more nations into the war. Speaking in Zurich, Kallas stated that 'Iran is an exporter of war' and is trying to 'sow chaos' in the region. She highlighted that Iran has been considerably weakened and expressed hope for the Iranian people to determine their own future. The European Union is actively pursuing diplomatic channels for de-escalation, with Kallas noting that the conflict is a direct consequence of the erosion of international law. Reports indicate Iranian missile and drone attacks on neighboring countries, including an intercepted projectile heading toward Turkey and strikes on a British base in Cyprus. These actions follow US and Israeli airstrikes on Iranian targets that reportedly killed Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, leading to retaliatory actions from Iran against US bases in the Gulf, Israel, and several Arab states. European leaders, including International===European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and International===European Council President António Costa, have condemned Iran's strikes and called for de-escalation and the protection of nuclear safety. Kallas also drew parallels between the weaponry used by Iran and Russia in Ukraine, emphasizing the need to not divert attention from other global crises. She also commented on China's increasing influence and the 'seismic' impact of the United States' foreign policy shift on the international order.