European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has called for calm and restraint as tensions between Israel and Iran continue to rise. In a phone call with Israeli President Isaac Herzog, she reaffirmed Israel’s right to defend itself and protect its citizens, but stressed the need to avoid further escalation in the region.
“I urge all parties to act with maximum restraint and work to de-escalate the situation,” she wrote in a post on X.
Her comments came as global concern grows over the potential fallout from Israel’s recent strikes on Iranian territory.
Thomas Countryman, a former senior official at the US State Department, warned that civilians are likely to suffer the most from what he described as “Israel’s reckless military action”. Speaking to Al Jazeera from Washington, he said US administrations have long discouraged such moves.
“For 25 years, the United States has urged Israel, and especially Prime Minister Netanyahu, not to attack Iran,” said Countryman. “That includes five US presidents, even Donald Trump during his first term, who resisted calls for the US military to fight Israel’s battles with Iran.”
However, Countryman suggested that the current situation is murkier. He believes Trump may be using the threat of further Israeli attacks on Iran as a pressure tactic.
“If that’s what he’s doing, it is a profoundly misguided strategy,” he said.
He also cautioned that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu might be hoping for a direct Iranian response against US forces in the region, in an effort to draw Washington more deeply into the conflict.
Multiple blasts heard in Tehran; fire breaks out near airport
Fresh explosions were heard in the Iranian capital, Tehran, late on Friday, according to Iran’s semi-official Tasnim News Agency.
Tasnim also released footage reportedly showing large fires burning near Mehrabad International Airport, with thick plumes of smoke rising into the night sky. The cause of the explosions has not yet been confirmed.
Earlier, Tasnim reported that “several explosions” had occurred in different parts of Tehran, although no details have been provided regarding casualties or damage.
Authorities have yet to issue an official statement. More details are expected as the situation develops.
