Ottawa: European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on Sunday that she had a phone conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, during which both leaders agreed that Iran must not be allowed to acquire nuclear weapons under any circumstances.
Von der Leyen emphasized that while diplomacy remains the preferred solution, Israel retains the right to self-defense, particularly in light of Iran’s lack of cooperation with the United Nations’ nuclear watchdog.
The EU chief, who has previously criticized Israeli military operations in Gaza, made the remarks while attending the G7 summit in Canada. She noted that the escalating tensions between Israel and Iran, as well as Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine, would be jointly discussed by world leaders at the summit.
“Iranian-designed and manufactured drones and ballistic missiles are targeting civilian populations in both Ukraine and Israel,” she said. “These threats require a coordinated response.”
The statement comes amid growing international concern over Iran’s nuclear ambitions and its expanding role in regional conflicts.
