EU "recognizes Israel's right to self-defense but avoids escalating out of control"

EU, EU warn Israeli bombing of Iran risks 'viral of attack and retaliation' escalating Middle East conflict

"The EU recognizes Israel's right to self-defense but urges all parties to refrain as much as possible to prevent uncontrollable escalation of tensions," the EU foreign ministry's foreign affairs agency said in a statement named.

"This is not beneficial to anyone," he added.

Israel allies Germany and Britain have defended Israel and urged Iran not to respond further.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said on social media, "The Israeli government has informed us that it has attacked Iran's military facilities in a precise and targeted way," adding, "This provides an opportunity to prevent further escalation because efforts have been made to avoid civilian casualties."

Scholz told Iran that "a large-scale response that intensifies tensions cannot continue forever" and that "it must stop now."

In addition, referring to UN Security Council Resolution 1701, he said, "We expect Hezbollah to withdraw north of the Ritani River and promote peace there."

Security Council Resolution 1701, adopted in 2006, calls for the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanon and the presence of only Lebanese troops and Lebanese U.N. peacekeepers south of Lebanon's Ritani River, with the exception of Hezbollah.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who is visiting the South Pacific island nation of Samoa, also said in a video message that "Israel makes it clear that it has the right to self-defense against Iranian attacks," and stressed that "Iran should not respond to Israeli attacks."