BRUSSELS February 28, 2026 – European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has called a special session of the Security College for Monday, citing the “ongoing situation in Iran” and warning against further escalation from what she described as Iran’s “unjustified attacks on partners in the region.”
In a post on X (formerly Twitter) this afternoon, von der Leyen said:
“Following the ongoing situation in Iran, I am convening a special Security College on Monday. For regional security and stability, it is of the utmost importance that there is no further escalation through Iran’s unjustified attacks on partners in the region.”
The statement comes hours after the United States and Israel launched coordinated large-scale airstrikes on multiple targets inside Iran, including sites linked to the country’s leadership, military infrastructure and nuclear programme. U.S. President Donald Trump described the operation as “major combat operations” and called on Iranians to “seize control of your destiny” and overthrow their government.
Iran has retaliated with a barrage of ballistic missiles targeting Israel and U.S. military facilities across the Gulf. Iranian state media and officials confirmed strikes or attempted strikes on positions in the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait and Jordan. Explosions were also reported in several Gulf cities, with air traffic suspended across the region.
Iranian officials and state media further reported that one of the incoming US-Israeli strikes hit a girls’ elementary school in Minab, Hormozgan province, southern Iran, killing at least 53 students and wounding dozens more. Footage circulating on social media showed rescue workers and distraught residents at the damaged school building.
Von der Leyen’s remarks have drawn sharp criticism online, with many users accusing the EU of selective condemnation by focusing solely on Iran’s response while remaining silent on the initial US-Israeli operation that triggered the escalation.
Other European leaders have issued similar calls for restraint. British, French and German foreign ministers jointly urged the resumption of U.S.-Iran talks and said “the Iranian people must be allowed to determine their future,” while stressing the need to protect civilians and respect international law. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said she was coordinating with Arab partners to explore diplomatic avenues.
The situation remains fluid, with fears of a wider regional conflict growing rapidly. Shipping through the Strait of Hormuz has been disrupted and several airlines have cancelled flights to and from the Middle East.
Life News Agency will continue to monitor developments as the EU prepares its emergency security deliberations on Monday.
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