EU leaders express solidarity with Gulf countries amid Iranian attacks

"The Ministers strongly condemned the unjustifiable Iranian attacks against the GCC countries which threaten regional and global security and called on Iran to cease immediately its attacks, they said in a joint EU-GCC statement. The statement also reaffirmed that Gulf countries have the right to take all necessary measures to defend their security and stability and protect their territories, citizens and residents."

"Reporting from the Belgian capital, Al Jazeera's Osama Bin Javaid said the message coming out of the talks is that Europe is ready to help its allies in the Gulf, but it prefers a solution that can be mediated and inspire de-escalation."

"Iran also continues to fire at countries across the region, including Qatar, Bahrain and Kuwait, while its strikes have progressively targeted energy infrastructure, raising fears they could affect global energy markets. European countries have increasingly been drawn into the widening conflict, with France and the United Kingdom on Wednesday announcing plans to send warships."

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas and European leaders met with Gulf Cooperation Council officials in Brussels to address escalating regional tensions. The joint statement strongly condemned Iranian missile and drone strikes against GCC countries, characterizing them as threats to regional and global security. EU leaders called for Iran to immediately cease attacks while reaffirming Gulf nations' right to defend their territories and citizens. Europe expressed readiness to support Gulf allies while preferring mediated solutions promoting de-escalation. The meeting occurred amid intensifying conflict following US-Israeli military operations against Iran, which have caused significant casualties. Iran continues targeting multiple Gulf countries and energy infrastructure, prompting concerns about global energy markets and drawing European nations deeper into the conflict.

Read at www.aljazeera.com