BRUSSELS, April 14 (Xinhua) -- EU leaders on Sunday called on all parties to exercise restraint and to prevent further escalation of the situation in the Middle East following Iran's retaliatory strikes on Israel.
"Everything must be done to prevent further regional escalation. More bloodshed must be avoided. We will continue to follow the situation closely with our partners," said European Council President Charles Michel on social media on Sunday.
"All actors must now refrain from further escalation and work to restore stability in the region," said European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on social media on Sunday.
Both EU leaders also condemned Iran's attack on Israel.
While calling on "all parties to exercise utmost restraint," Josep Borrell, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, said on social media that "this is an unprecedented escalation."
Borrell said that he has called an extraordinary meeting of EU foreign affairs ministers on April 16 "to contribute to de-escalation and security of the region."
Iran and allied armed groups launched coordinated drone and missile strikes on Israel late Saturday night.
Iran's Permanent Mission to the United Nations has said the country's military action against Israel was based on Article 51 of the UN Charter regarding the legitimate right to self-defense and in response to the deadly Israeli attack against the Iranian consulate in Syria.
The latest developments heightened fears of a wider regional war as a permanent ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip remains elusive. ■
