EU leaders try to damp down on Israel-Iran strife

European Union leaders have vowed to ramp up sanctions against Iran as concern grows that Tehran’s unprecedented attack on Israel could fuel a wider war in the Middle East. The EU has already slapped sanctions on the Islamic Republic but French President Emmanuel Macron said new measures should target “those who are helping to produce the missiles and drones that were used” in the weekend attack.

In a statement released after the first day of their summit, which also focused on the war in Ukraine and ways to boost the bloc’s economic competitiveness, the leaders warned that the EU “will take further restrictive measures against Iran, notably in relation to unmanned aerial vehicles and missiles”.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has brushed off calls for restraint from close allies, saying his country would be the one to decide whether and how to respond to Iran’s major air assault. That has left the region braced for further escalation after months of unrest linked to the ongoing war in Gaza. “I want to be clear: we will make our decisions ourselves. The state of Israel will do whatever is necessary to defend itself,” Netanyahu said.

Israel’s allies have been urging Israel since the attack to hold back on any response that could spiral.

Iran’s President warned that even the “tiniest” invasion of its territory would bring a “massive and harsh” response.

Israel appears unlikely to attack Iran directly without at least the support of the US. But it could resort to covert methods such as targeting senior Iranian commanders or Iranbacked groups in other countries, or launching a cyber attack.

The EU leaders renewed calls for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the release of hostages, and humanitarian aid for Palestinians.