London: France, Germany, and the UK have expressed "deep concern" over the escalating tensions in the Middle East and called on Iran to fully cooperate with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). They warned of the risks of further escalation following Israeli strikes and Iran's response.
According to Anadolu Agency, UK Ambassador Corinne Kitsell delivered a joint statement on behalf of the E3 at an extraordinary IAEA Board of Governors meeting. She stressed that escalation is not in the interest of anyone in the region and urged all parties to respect international law and exercise restraint.
The three countries reiterated their support for the independent mandate of the nuclear watchdog, thanking IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi for his latest update to the UN Security Council. They expressed concern over Iran's accelerating uranium enrichment activities, which they said lack any plausible civilian justification.
The joint statement cited remarks by Iranian officials suggesting Tehran may take measures to shield nuclear materials from IAEA inspection, a move the E3 said would breach the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). The statement warned that the agency is currently unable to verify the peaceful nature of Iran's nuclear program.
The E3 also rejected what they called 'manipulative attempts' to link the latest regional crisis to a resolution passed by the IAEA Board last week, describing such claims as 'unjustified and irresponsible.' They defended the resolution as a necessary step to hold Iran accountable for its lack of cooperation with the Agency over the past six years.
The statement reaffirmed the E3's support for a diplomatic resolution to Iran's nuclear file and the security of Israel, noting their backing for recent US-led efforts for a negotiated outcome. They expressed regret over Iran's decision not to participate in talks scheduled in Oman, stating they would continue working closely with Washington to pursue a diplomatic path.
Regional tensions have escalated since Friday when Israel launched coordinated airstrikes on multiple sites across Iran, including military and nuclear facilities, prompting Tehran to launch retaliatory strikes. Israeli authorities reported that at least 24 people have been killed and hundreds injured in Iranian missile attacks since Friday. Iran, for its part, reported at least 224 people killed and over 1,000 others wounded in the Israeli assault.