EU’s Costa urges de-escalation and civilian protection amid Iran conflict

European Council President Antonio Costa issued an urgent appeal for de‑escalation on Tuesday after speaking with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, emphasizing that the spiraling conflict in the Middle East now poses a grave threat to regional stability. Describing the current conditions as “extremely dangerous,” Costa stressed that all parties must fully adhere to international law and prioritize the safety of non‑combatants and civilian infrastructure.

Call for Civilian Protection

Costa expressed particular concern over the loss of innocent lives, including an incident involving the Minab school in southern Iran. Footage has shown a missile striking a facility within a naval base operated by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps in Minab on February 28, when the joint US‑Israeli military campaign against Iran commenced. The EU leader described such casualties as “deeply regrettable” and reiterated that civilian sites must be spared from hostilities.

Diplomacy and Freedom of Navigation

In his conversation with Pezeshkian, Costa also urged Tehran to halt what he termed “unacceptable” attacks on neighboring countries and to engage constructively in diplomatic efforts, particularly under UN auspices, to secure freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. “There must be space for diplomacy,” Costa said, adding that the European Union is prepared to support all initiatives aimed at ending hostilities while addressing broader security concerns linked to Iran.

Wider Regional Implications

The ongoing US‑Israeli strikes on Iran have resulted in hundreds of fatalities, including former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and senior military commanders. Iran has retaliated with missile and drone attacks targeting Israel as well as Gulf states hosting American military assets, causing casualties and damaging civilian infrastructure. As a neighboring country with deep ties to both sides of the conflict, Türkiye continues to advocate for restraint and dialogue, warning that further escalation would destabilize an already volatile region.