In an attempt to create a cohesive diplomatic response to the intensifying Israeli-Iranian conflict, European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas is holding an emergency video conference with the bloc’s 27 foreign ministers on Tuesday. It is anticipated that the meeting will concentrate on outreach initiatives to Tehran and Tel Aviv as well as future measures to stop additional regional instability.
The gathering provides a chance for outreach coordination and a strategic exchange of opinions. An EU official stated, “We are at a delicate moment.” The talks’ urgency is a reflection of growing concerns in Brussels that the conflict between Israel and Iran may turn into a larger one with worldwide repercussions.
At the same time, the EU is under pressure to intensify its response due to the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza. Ursula von der Leyen, president of the European Commission, has maintained a cautiously diplomatic stance while reiterating the EU’s adamant opposition to Iran obtaining nuclear weapons. Von der Leyen stressed moderation and reaffirmed that diplomacy is still the EU’s preferred course of action during a phone conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday.
At a press conference held during the G7 summit, she stated, “We share the same view that Iran should not acquire nuclear weapons.” Naturally, I believe that a negotiated solution is the best one in the long run.
“Her comments indicate a careful balancing act, as she calls for de-escalation to prevent further militarization of the region while simultaneously expressing political support for Israel’s security concerns. However, Israel seems to be growing more dubious of diplomatic attempts. Current nuclear negotiations with Iran are ineffective, according to Israeli Ambassador to the EU Haim Regev. “It is widely acknowledged that Iran poses a challenge,” Regev stated.
“What you do about it is the question.” The long-term solution may involve diplomacy, he continued, but “Iran is very close to getting nuclear weapons.” That poses a threat to Europe as well as to Israel. Recognizing the wider security threats posed by Tehran’s nuclear aspirations, Regev added that Israel has had strong support from countries like Germany, France, the UK, and Italy on the matter.
The EU’s tough stance on Russia’s war in Ukraine stands in stark contrast to its approach to the Israel-Iran standoff. In that regard, EU leaders have emphasized deterrence, military support, and strength—a stance that has garnered broad bloc support. However, calls for dialogue and diplomacy are prevalent when it comes to the Middle East.
“Lasting security is built through diplomacy, not military action,” Kallas said over the weekend, following a call with Iran’s foreign minister. Her statement reflects a larger EU view that engagement, not escalation, is necessary to prevent more Middle East conflict. That view, however, is not universally shared across the EU’s leadership. Commissioner Andrius Kubilius recently declared that “diplomacy will not help—only strength” in relation to Russia.
The disparity in the EU’s messaging regarding Iran and Ukraine has prompted concerns about the coherence of its foreign policy tenets. Von der Leyen also brought up Gaza, where the humanitarian situation is still getting worse, in her discussion with Netanyahu. Aid organizations warn that the enclave faces an immediate risk of famine nearly 19 months into the conflict.
According to von der Leyen, “Netanyahu promised that aid is getting in and will continue to.” I’ll be keeping a careful eye on the situation, including where our aid is, how it enters Gaza, and what more we can do to guarantee that people get the assistance they require.
Growing concerns have been echoed by the UN and the World Food Programme. In the absence of “immediate and massively scaled-up access to the basic means of survival,” Gaza may soon face widespread starvation and a collapse of civil order, according to a warning issued last week by UN humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher.
As the EU tries to reclaim its place on the global stage, the crisis presents a serious obstacle to the coherence of its foreign policy. Its assertiveness in supporting Ukraine has earned it credibility, but if it balances that position with a more cautious approach in the Middle East, those gains could be undone.
“Europe is trying to be the adult in the room,” said one Brussels-based diplomat. “But the message has to be consistent. Otherwise, we risk looking weak or divided.” With tensions escalating and the humanitarian crisis deepening, the EU’s ability to act decisively and with unity may be one of its most consequential foreign policy challenges recently.
