BRUSSELS — In the wake of the recent U.S.-Israeli strikes that resulted in the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, European leaders have adopted a measured approach to their responses, while simultaneously condemning Iran’s subsequent retaliatory actions. Some officials have even suggested the emergence of a new regime in Iran as a possibility.
Reactions from EU leaders
The only EU leader who explicitly condemned the strikes on Iran was Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez. Meanwhile, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen emphasized the necessity for “a credible transition in Iran,” echoing sentiments from the EU’s chief diplomat, Kaja Kallas, who stated, “there is now an open path to a different Iran.”
As tensions escalated in the region, European foreign ministers convened for an emergency session on Sunday evening to address the situation in the Middle East, following nearly 36 hours of escalating military actions.
Country-specific responses
Austria’s Chancellor Christian Stocker condemned Iran’s attacks on Gulf states and asserted that the Iranian populace “deserve a life in peace, security and prosperity.” Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger noted that Khamenei’s death “opens a window” for a new era in Iranian governance.
In Belgium, Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot condemned the Iranian strikes “in the strongest possible terms” and advised Belgian nationals in the Middle East to seek safety.
Bulgaria’s foreign ministry condemned Iran’s military actions, attributing them to the dangerous escalation for which Iran is responsible and urging an immediate halt to the attacks. Croatia’s Foreign Minister Gordan Grlić Radman called for de-escalation and diplomacy, criticizing Tehran’s “intransigence and lack of credibility,” which he argued contributed to the U.S. and Israeli strikes.
Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides also condemned Iran’s retaliatory strikes, advocating for restraint and diplomatic engagement.
Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babiš outlined the risks posed by Iran’s nuclear ambitions and its support for terrorism, emphasizing that Prague stands firmly with its allies.
In Denmark, Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen labeled Iran’s past actions as “completely unacceptable,” while Estonia’s Margus Tsahkna remarked that Khamenei’s death represents a significant setback for Iran’s ally, Russia, and opens a pathway for the Iranian populace to determine their own future.
Finland’s President Alexander Stubb condemned Iran’s “unjustifiable and indiscriminate strikes,” highlighting the need to protect civilians in the region. France’s President Emmanuel Macron denounced the “disproportionate” Iranian response, expressing Paris’s readiness to deploy resources to safeguard its allies in the Middle East and warning of the conflict’s potential for severe international repercussions.
Germany’s Chancellor Friedrich Merz cautioned against the risks of another quagmire similar to Iraq while recognizing Iran’s ongoing challenges in reaching a nuclear agreement. Meanwhile, Greece’s Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis stressed the importance of ensuring the safety of Greeks abroad and the effective surveillance of Iran’s nuclear program.
Other nations, including Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, and Lithuania, expressed varied concerns over the situation, from counterterrorism measures to the need for a diplomatic solution to Iran’s nuclear ambitions. Notably, Latvia’s Foreign Minister Baiba Braže declared the fall of Khamenei as a moment of relief for the Iranian people, expressing hope for a future devoid of oppression.
Overall, the diverse reactions across Europe underscore the complexity of the situation, as leaders grapple with the implications of the U.S.-Israeli actions and Iran’s aggressive responses while navigating their stance on diplomacy and regional stability.