Brussels (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Iran cannot possess a nuclear weapon, according to European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas, who stated on Tuesday that all EU foreign ministers concur on the need to de-escalate the Middle East situation immediately.
On June 17, 2025, the EU foreign ministers met by video conference following the escalating crisis between Israel and Iran, as well as the increasing risk of continental conflict in the region, to discuss possible next steps toward de-escalation and crisis management for security. The video conference was called by EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Kaja Kallas in response to the latest Israeli offensive on Iranian nuclear and military targets, as well as subsequent Iranian retaliatory strikes.
What role will the EU play in peace talks?
At a press conference after speaking with EU foreign ministers, Kallas also mentioned that all officials agreed diplomacy is the best way to resolve the conflict between Israel and Iran. He noted that the bloc will play a role in these diplomatic efforts.
EU High Representative also weighed in on Russian President Vladimir Putin’s proposal to mediate the peace talks. They stated that Russia is not in a position to discuss peace and cannot be considered a credible mediator.
Why are EU leaders concerned about regional conflict?
A day earlier, as reported by Reuters, European foreign ministers told their Iranian counterpart in a call on Monday to return to nuclear negotiations with the U.S. and refrain from escalating conflict with Israel, to which Iran’s foreign minister said Tehran’s priority was to confront Israel for now, according to a French diplomatic source.
“The ministers urged Iran to return to the negotiating table as quickly as possible, without preconditions,”
According to the source, Iran should steer clear of any hasty moves against Western interests.
French’s Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot spoke with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio ahead of the E3’s call with Araqchi, according to a diplomatic source. The source also noted that the E3 had sent separate messages to Israel, urging them not to target Iranian officials, infrastructure, or civilians.
