International

Macron calls for emergency UN Security Council session as EU begins regional evacuations

World capitals reacted with immediate alarm on Saturday following a joint U.S. and Israeli military operation against Iran. While European governments largely called for de-escalation, Moscow issued a harsh condemnation of the intervention.

In Washington, Democratic Senator Tim Kaine denounced the strikes as "dangerous, unnecessary, and idiotic." He warned that the military action is a "colossal mistake" that risks the lives of U.S. service members and diplomatic staff across the region.

Kaine urged the Senate to immediately vote on his War Powers Resolution to block further U.S. involvement. This move follows his previous attempts to limit presidential war powers during last month’s military operations in Venezuela.

Zelensky: "The Iranian regime decided on its own to be Putin's accomplice"

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky commented on the US and Israeli operation in Iran. He supported the US actions but said it was important not to allow the conflict to escalate and "to save as many lives as possible."

"Although Ukrainians have never threatened Iran, the Iranian regime decided on its own to be Putin's accomplice and supplied him with 'shahedi'," Zelensky said in a statement on social media. The Ukrainian president emphasized that Tehran not only supplied Moscow with drones, but also shared technology.

According to him, the Russian army has used over 57,000 "Shahed" drones since the beginning of the invasion of Ukraine.

"That is why it is right to give the Iranian people the chance to get rid of the terrorist regime," the Ukrainian president stressed.

London convenes emergency COBRA meeting

Prime Minister Keir Starmer chaired an emergency committee meeting on Saturday morning. The UK government confirmed it was not involved in the operation and stressed its desire to avoid a "regional conflagration."

A government spokesperson reiterated support for a negotiated solution to Tehran’s nuclear ambitions. Meanwhile, the Foreign Office urged British citizens in the Middle East to "shelter-in-place" and warned against all travel to Israel and the Palestinian territories.

In Berlin, Chancellor Friedrich Merz is reportedly monitoring developments closely. Merz, who is scheduled to meet Donald Trump in Washington next week, was informed of the strikes in advance by Israeli officials.

France demands UN intervention

President Emmanuel Macron has called for an extraordinary meeting of the UN Security Council. Macron stated that Tehran must realize it has "no alternative" but to engage in good-faith negotiations regarding its nuclear and ballistic missile programs.

"The outbreak of war between the U.S., Israel, and Iran has grave consequences for international peace," Macron posted on X. He added that France is prepared to mobilize resources to protect its closest partners if requested.

EU activates security protocols

EU Foreign Policy Chief Kaja Kallas announced she is coordinating with regional partners, including Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar. She emphasized that the protection of civilians and international law remains the Union's top priority.

Kallas confirmed that non-essential EU staff are being withdrawn from the region. Furthermore, the EU’s naval mission, Aspides, remains on high alert in the Red Sea to ensure the maritime corridor stays open.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen echoed these concerns, calling the developments "extremely worrying." She reaffirmed the EU's commitment to regional stability and the global non-proliferation regime.

While Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese expressed solidarity with the "brave people of Iran" against oppression, he maintained support for efforts to prevent Tehran from acquiring nuclear weapons.

Moscow slams 'reckless adventure'

In a starkly different tone, Russia described the operation as a "premeditated and unprovoked act of armed aggression." The Russian Foreign Ministry called the strikes a "reckless adventure" aimed at destroying the constitutional order of a sovereign UN member state.

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