Kaja Kallas emphasizes diplomacy to curb Iran's nuclear ambitions
- Kaja Kallas emphasized the need for diplomacy to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons at a press conference following the EU Foreign Affairs Council.
- The EU and Canada discussed cooperative efforts to impose restrictions on Iran's nuclear program and contributed to negotiations alongside the International Atomic Energy Agency.
- The focus on diplomatic approaches aims to avoid further conflict escalation and foster humanitarian efforts in regions suffering from war, especially in Gaza.
On June 23, 2025, during a press conference following the Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels, Kaja Kallas, the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs, addressed the pressing issue concerning Iran's nuclear program. She stressed that the European Union maintains a united stance on preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, which has been considered a significant threat to international security for decades. Kallas highlighted that military actions carry inherent risks and uncertainties and emphasized the urgency of minimizing escalation in the region. The council convened with a consensus that diplomatic efforts are crucial for fostering discussions and reaching a long-term agreement to restrict Iran’s nuclear pursuits. Following the Foreign Affairs Council, Kallas reiterated the importance of all parties taking a step back from hostilities and resuming negotiations to avoid exacerbating tensions in the Middle East. She urged the necessity to alleviate suffering in conflict zones, pointing specifically to the situation in Gaza, where she called for full humanitarian access and stressed that the blockade causes more harm than good. The representatives underlined that international cooperation, along with involvement from the USA, is vital to facilitate meaningful dialogue. At the same time, the EU-Canada Summit was held on the same day, where key leaders including Ursula von der Leyen and Antonio Costa elaborated on the EU’s position on Iran’s nuclear ambitions. They reaffirmed their commitment to impose real constraints on Iran’s nuclear program in cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Costa explicitly mentioned the need to uphold international law concerning military actions and the nuclear weapons treaty, reiterating that all parties should prioritize peace and collaborative dialogue. The European Union’s role in both the Middle East and Ukraine was a central topic of discussion during these meetings. Kallas also addressed the ongoing situation in Ukraine, where plans for new sanctions against Russia were discussed following an increase in attacks. She mentioned that these sanctions coincide with the EU's commitment to provide military support to Ukraine, demonstrating Europe’s proactive strategy against threats to stability in both regions. The conversations held in Brussels on this day signal Europe’s intention to bolster its engagement on international security matters, potentially reshaping diplomatic relations going forward.