European Ministers Urges Restraint, Return To Diplomacy Amid Middle East Tensions

(MENAFN- Kuwait News Agency (KUNA)) PARIS, June 18 (KUNA) -- Foreign ministers of France, Germany, and the UK expressed concern on Wednesday over rising tensions in the Middle East, urging all parties to exercise maximum restraint and avoid actions that could lead to further escalation.
In a joint statement, the ministers, alongside the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, discussed regional developments in a phone call with Iran's Foreign Minister, particularly amid the growing tensions between Iran and Israel.
They reaffirmed their countries' and the EU's commitment to regional security and stability, reiterating Israel's right to defend itself and its people in accordance with international law.
The ministers also voiced increasing concern over Iran's nuclear program, stating that its expansion has "exceeded any plausible civilian justification" and accused Iran of violating its obligations under international safeguard agreements.
They urged Iran to take concrete steps to resume negotiations toward a diplomatic solution that addresses international concerns about its nuclear activities, and warned against Iran's possible withdrawal from the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).
The European ministers renewed their call for de-escalation and stressed their commitment to pursuing a negotiated and lasting resolution to the Iranian nuclear issue. (end)
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