EU Foreign Policy Chief Warns Middle East Does Not Need Escalation

JAKARTA - The head of the European Union's Foreign Policy Kaja Kallas warned on Monday that the Middle East does not need new conflicts, following the increasing tensions between Israel and Iran.

"We have seen another escalation. This area does not need escalation, but in fact the parties involved must sit at the negotiating table and reach an agreement," Kallas said ahead of the bloc's defense ministers meeting in Nicosia, according to the Greek Cypriot Administration, launching WAFA (8/6).

Reiterating that the EU can help facilitate post-ceasefire efforts, Kallas said the main priority is securing a cessation of hostilities.

"The ceasefire is highly anticipated. Stop this war right now, open the Strait of Hormuz, and then use that time for longer discussions on more difficult topics such as nuclear but also other important issues," said Kallas.

It is known that Iran launched several missile attacks towards northern Israel on Sunday night after an Israeli air strike on the southern outskirts of Beirut, which according to Tel Aviv targeted Hezbollah's command and planning center. The Israeli attack killed two people and injured 11 others according to interim reports.

The Iranian attack marked the first bombing since a fragile ceasefire in early April.

A temporary ceasefire mediated by Pakistan was reached on April 8, but negotiations then stalled amid disputes over its implementation and subsequent regional developments.

Israel responded to the attack by launching an air strike on the area, before the two countries on Monday announced the end of mutual attacks, in line with the appeal of US President Donald Trump.