EU Condemns Threats to Iranian Civilian Infrastructure

(MENAFN) The European Union dismissed warnings of potential strikes targeting essential civilian facilities in Iran, cautioning that such measures could affect millions and significantly heighten tensions across the region. A spokesperson for the EU Commission delivered the statement on Tuesday, stressing the serious humanitarian and geopolitical consequences of these threats.

"We have always said that diplomacy is the answer," EU Commission spokesperson Anitta Hipper told journalists during a midday press conference.

She further emphasized the bloc’s firm stance, stating, "From our side, we reject any threats ... (of) attacks regarding critical civilian infrastructure, such attacks risk impacting millions of people across the Middle East and beyond, and also may lead to further dangerous escalation," underscoring the EU’s concern over the potential ripple effects throughout the Middle East.

Hipper also renewed the EU’s appeal for "maximum restraint," highlighting the importance of safeguarding both civilians and non-military facilities, while calling on all involved sides to adhere strictly to international law and humanitarian principles.

These remarks followed warnings issued by Donald Trump, who indicated that the United States military might strike Iranian infrastructure, including bridges and power stations, if Tehran failed to reopen the strategically significant Strait of Hormuz by Tuesday at 8 pm EDT (0000GMT Wednesday).

Tensions in the region have continued to intensify since Israel and the United States initiated a military campaign against Iran on Feb. 28. The conflict has reportedly resulted in the deaths of more than 1,340 individuals, including former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Iranian officials have not provided updated casualty figures in recent days.

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