BRUSSELS, Belgium, June 15, 2025 (BSS/AFP) - The European Union on Saturday voiced "deepest concern" at the escalation of conflict between Iran and Israel, calling for restraint to avoid dangers such as a leak of radioactive material.

Their statement came as Israel targeted Iran's air defence capabilities Saturday, following the deadly strikes it began a day earlier on Iranian nuclear and military facilities, prompting counterattacks by Iran.

It called "on all sides to abide by international law, show restraint and refrain from taking further steps which could lead to serious consequences such as potential radioactive release".

Issued by the office of Kaja Kallas, the bloc's foreign policy chief, it expressed "deepest concern at the dangerous escalation that threatens to destabilise the Middle East following Israeli strikes on Iran and Iran's response".

It called "on all sides to abide by international law, show restraint and refrain from taking further steps which could lead to serious consequences such as potential radioactive release".

The EU reiterated its backing for security in the region, "including the security of the State of Israel".

Israel says its objective is to destroy Iran's nuclear programme, which it says is aimed at producing nuclear weapons, something Tehran has repeatedly denied.

Following Israel's first barrage early Friday, Iran hit back later the same day with strikes on Israeli cities.

"The EU has always been clear that Iran must never be allowed to acquire a nuclear weapon," said the statement from Brussels.

The bloc was concerned about the recent International Atomic Energy Agency report that found Iran in "non-compliance with its legally binding nuclear safeguards", it added.

"But lasting security is built through diplomacy, not military action," it said.