Brussels, 22 June 2025 (dpa/MIA) - European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has urged a diplomatic solution following the US attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities.

"Now is the moment for Iran to engage in a credible diplomatic solution," von der Leyen posted on the platform X on Sunday. "The negotiating table is the only place to end this crisis."

She further stated that tensions in the Middle East have reached a new peak, and now stability must take precedence. Respect for international law is of crucial importance, she added. "Iran must never acquire the [atomic] bomb," she wrote.

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas also called for steps to control the situation around Iran's nuclear programme following the US air attacks.

"I urge all sides to step back, return to the negotiating table and prevent further escalation," Kallas wrote on X on Sunday.

Iran must not be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon, as this would pose a threat to international security, Kallas continued.

The EU foreign ministers would discuss the situation at a meeting on Monday, she said.

The president of the European Council, António Costa, also expressed deep alarm about the news from the Middle East.

"I call on all parties to show restraint and respect for international law and nuclear safety," Costa wrote on X.

Diplomacy was still the only way to bring peace and security to the region, he added, while a further escalation would again result in too many civilian casualties.

The EU would continue engaging with the parties and its partners to find a peaceful solution at the negotiating table, Costa said.

MIA file photo