EU Leaders Discuss Iran War, Regional Attacks, and Energy Security

EU Council Sanctions Press Releases

Published March 9th, 2026

Detected March 10th, 2026

Summary

EU leaders discussed the war in Iran, regional attacks, and energy security with Middle Eastern countries. The statement condemned attacks, expressed solidarity, and announced humanitarian aid for Lebanon, while reaffirming commitment to regional stability and maritime operations.

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What changed

European Council President Costa and Commission President von der Leyen held a video conference with leaders from several Middle Eastern countries to discuss the war in Iran, regional attacks, and their impact on energy security. The joint statement condemned Iran's attacks, expressed solidarity with the region, and highlighted the EU's role in repatriating European citizens. The EU reaffirmed its commitment to regional stability, called for respect for international law, and mentioned its maritime operations ASPIDES and ATALANTA.

The statement announced the mobilization of ReliefEU stocks to support approximately 130,000 people in Lebanon, with a first flight scheduled for the next day. The leaders also explored avenues to strengthen cooperation with Middle Eastern partners to mitigate risks associated with attacks on energy infrastructure and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. The EU expressed its readiness to de-escalate the situation and facilitate a return to negotiations, emphasizing dialogue and diplomacy as the way forward.

What to do next

Review EU maritime operations ASPIDES and ATALANTA for potential impacts on supply chains.
Monitor humanitarian aid distribution to Lebanon and associated logistical requirements.
Assess implications of regional instability on energy security and supply chains.

Source document (simplified)

European Council
Statements and remarks
9 March 2026 14:30

Joint statement by President Costa and President von der Leyen after the video conference with Leaders from Middle East countries on the war in Iran

Today, President Costa and President von der Leyen exchanged views with the leaders of Jordan, Egypt, Bahrain, Lebanon, Syria, Türkiye, Armenia, Iraq, Qatar, Kuwait, United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Oman on the latest developments regarding the war in Iran, including the unacceptable attacks against the countries of the region and the impact on energy security. This video conference is the continued manifestation of solidarity and diplomatic outreach building on the contacts made by the Presidents since the beginning of this crisis, and on previous efforts of the High Representative Kaja Kallas.

Once again, they condemned the indiscriminate attacks by Iran in the strongest terms and conveyed their full solidarity with the people of the region.

The Presidents also thanked the Leaders of the region for their assistance and support in repatriating tens of thousands of European citizens who were stranded in their countries when the war started.

The European Union is a long-standing, reliable partner for the region in these difficult moments and is ready to contribute in every possible way to help deescalate the situation and facilitate the return to the negotiating table. Although the international rules-based order is under stress, we firmly believe that dialogue and diplomacy is the only viable way forward.

The European Union has been consistent in its position on Iran’s activities and has repeatedly called on their leadership to end its nuclear program and curb its ballistic missile program. The European Union has also condemned the unacceptable repression and violence perpetrated by the Iranian regime against its own citizens.

The Presidents reaffirmed their commitment to regional stability and called for the protection of civilians and full respect for international law, international humanitarian law and the obligation to abide by the principles of the United Nations Charter.

President Costa and President von der Leyen recalled the importance of its maritime defensive operations ASPIDES and ATALANTA aimed at protecting critical waterways and preventing any disruption to vital supply chains. They also expressed their openness to further tailor and enhance these operations in order to better respond to the situation.

The Presidents expressed deep concern about the impact of the regional crisis on Lebanon and its severe impact on civilians, triggering large scale displacement. They underscored the need for the protection of civilians, and the respect of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Lebanon. In this context, President von der Leyen announced a mobilisation of ReliefEu stocks to support some 130 000 persons in Lebanon with a first flight planned for tomorrow.

The Leaders of the region shared their analysis of the situation in their countries and the broader region. They also discussed the impact of attacks on energy infrastructure and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz on global energy security, and explored avenues to strengthen the cooperation with Middle East partners to mitigate these risks.

They also agreed to remain in close contact to assess any further developments and work together in the pursuit of peace.

The European Union will work with the countries of the region to bring peace and stability back to the Middle East and the Gulf region, reaffirming its enduring commitment to partnership, security, and prosperity in the region.