Brussels: The EU on Thursday called on all sides to exercise restraint and resume diplomatic efforts amid tensions over Iran, following a media report indicating that Tehran had considered targeting US military assets in Europe if President Donald Trump were to escalate the conflict.

According to Anadolu Agency, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas has been actively engaging on the issue, as confirmed by EU Commission spokesperson Anita Hipper during a news briefing. Hipper refrained from providing new information regarding the credibility of the alleged threat or evidence of Iran posing a threat within Europe.

The Financial Times, referencing two individuals close to the Iranian regime, reported that Iranian forces had evaluated the possibility of striking US assets in southeastern European countries, such as Bulgaria, if there were a renewed US offensive.

In response to questions about Trump's recent announcement on imposing tougher sanctions against Iran and whether the EU felt pressured by his calls for allies to further isolate Tehran economically, Hipper stated, "We will not speculate on this." She emphasized the EU's stance on encouraging restraint and renewed diplomatic efforts from all parties involved.

Hipper further commented, "From our perspective, only diplomacy can bring a sustainable solution to all outstanding issues," and praised regional partners for their mediation efforts in the ongoing tensions.