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European Union foreign ministers convened an emergency video conference on February 28, 2026, to coordinate a joint response to the escalating conflict involving Iran, following large-scale United States and Israeli military strikes that have significantly destabilized the Middle East.

The extraordinary meeting of the EU Foreign Affairs Council was chaired by EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas and brought together foreign ministers from all 27 EU member states.

Discussions focused on regional security risks, energy market disruptions, and the growing number of European nationals stranded across Iran and neighboring countries. The emergency consultations come amid continued military operations and rising fears of a broader regional conflict.

EU ministers examined the political and security implications of the ongoing war and attempted to forge a unified European position on the crisis. Diplomats emphasized concerns over regional stability and adherence to international law while calling for immediate de-escalation.

Before the ministerial meeting, EU ambassadors gathered at the COREPER level to prepare discussions, expressing solidarity with civilians affected by the conflict and highlighting the urgent need to prevent further escalation.

However, officials indicated that consensus among member states remained uncertain after the meeting concluded, with reservations reportedly raised by some countries. A joint statement from ministers is expected to follow.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa earlier issued a joint warning against further military escalation in the region. Von der Leyen has also convened a Security College meeting scheduled for Monday to assess evolving risks.

Thousands of Europeans Stranded as Flights Halted

Consular coordination emerged as a central priority during the emergency talks, as thousands of European citizens remain stranded across Iran and the wider Middle East following widespread flight cancellations and airspace closures.

The European Commission activated the EU’s Local Consular Cooperation Network to improve coordination between member states and facilitate assistance efforts through EU delegations on the ground.

Earlier on Sunday, representatives from member states met under the Working Party on Consular Affairs framework to exchange information and coordinate evacuation and assistance measures. EU governments have urged citizens to avoid travel to the region and seek shelter where necessary.

Officials are now assessing options for potential repatriation operations if security conditions deteriorate further.

Israel Expands Military Operations in Tehran

As diplomatic efforts intensified in Europe, military operations continued to expand on the ground. The Israeli military announced that it had significantly increased strikes against Iranian government targets in Tehran.

According to Israeli military spokesperson Brigadier General Effie Defrin, approximately 100 fighter jets conducted simultaneous attacks targeting facilities linked to Iran’s air force, missile command infrastructure, and internal security forces. “Our message to the Iranian regime is clear. No one is immune,” Defrin said.

Israel has also mobilized an additional 100,000 reservists to reinforce its borders, with particular attention focused on the Lebanese group Hezbollah amid concerns the conflict could widen.

Trump Reports Major Damage to Iranian Naval Forces

U.S. President Donald Trump stated that American operations had caused significant damage to Iran’s naval capabilities.

In a social media statement, Trump said nine Iranian naval vessels had been destroyed and claimed Iran’s naval headquarters had been “largely destroyed.” He added that remaining Iranian military vessels could face further attacks as operations continue.

The White House confirmed that Trump held discussions with regional leaders from Israel, Bahrain, and the United Arab Emirates as part of ongoing diplomatic coordination following the strikes.

Possible Openings for US-Iran Dialogue

Despite ongoing military operations, signs of potential diplomatic engagement have begun to emerge. A senior U.S. official indicated that figures described as “potential new leadership” in Iran had signaled openness to talks with Washington following the killing of Iran’s supreme leadership during the strikes.

Trump confirmed he is willing to engage in discussions “eventually,” stating in an interview that communication with Iran’s new leadership is expected.

“They want to talk, and I have agreed to talk, so I will be talking to them,” Trump said, without specifying a timeline.

European Leaders Intensify Diplomatic Coordination

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced plans to travel to Washington for talks with President Trump, emphasizing coordination among Western allies.

“This is not the moment to lecture our allies, but to stand together in unity,” Merz said, adding that he remains in close contact with European partners and regional actors.

Meanwhile, intelligence officials revealed that U.S. agencies had monitored movements of senior Iranian leaders for months before the strikes, with intelligence reportedly shared with Israel to support operational planning.

The conflict has already begun affecting neighboring states. France confirmed that an Iranian drone strike targeted a French military installation near Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates.

French Defense Minister Catherine Vautrin stated that the attack caused only material damage and no casualties, but noted that French forces remain on heightened alert.

The strike formed part of Iran’s retaliatory response following coordinated U.S.-Israeli attacks that killed senior Iranian leadership figures and struck multiple strategic facilities.

Energy Markets and Strait of Hormuz in Focus

EU ministers also examined the potential economic consequences of the conflict, particularly risks to global energy supplies. Iran remains a major crude oil exporter and controls access to the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical maritime energy routes.

European officials warned that prolonged instability could trigger disruptions to global oil shipments and increased volatility in international energy markets.

As military operations continue and diplomatic efforts struggle to keep pace, European governments are preparing for a prolonged crisis with significant geopolitical, economic, and humanitarian consequences extending far beyond the Middle East.