Britain, France and Germany Call on Iran to Refrain from Escalation in the Middle East

Iran will be "held accountable" for any attacks against Israel that "further escalate regional tensions" and jeopardise the possibility of a ceasefire and hostage deal, the leaders of the United Kingdom, France and Germany warned in a statement today.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz called on "Iran and its allies to refrain from attack" and said they agreed with US, Egyptian and Qatari mediators that "there can be no further delay" in resuming talks between Israel and Hamas on a ceasefire and hostage release.

The leaders of Britain, France and Germany expressed concern over rising tensions in the region and called for de-escalation and regional stability. They stressed that Iran would be held accountable for its further actions.

"In this context, in particular, we call on Iran and its allies to refrain from attacks that could further escalate regional tensions and jeopardise the possibility of reaching a ceasefire and releasing hostages. They will be held accountable for actions that jeopardise this opportunity for peace and stability. No country or people will benefit from further escalation in the Middle East," the statement said.

Tensions in the Middle East region have risen since the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran on 31 July.

Iran said that it intends to retaliate for the assassination of the Hamas political leader, accusing Israel of doing so. This has led to growing fears that Israel's war against Hamas in Gaza could escalate into a wider conflict.