EU position on the situation in the Middle East

Iran

US-Iran memorandum of understanding

The European Council welcomes the memorandum of understanding between the US and Iran, which provides an opportunity for regional stability and the full restoration of freedom of navigation and safe transit through the Strait of Hormuz.

It welcomes the continued diplomatic efforts in view of reaching a peace settlement and underscores the importance of a negotiated long-term resolution to all outstanding issues, in line with international law.

It commends Pakistan, Qatar and other regional partners for their mediation efforts. The European Union will continue to engage, in close coordination with regional partners, in diplomatic efforts and stands ready to support the implementation of the agreement.

Maritime security

The European Council stresses the need to respect freedom of navigation and maritime security in accordance with international law and the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.

The European Council welcomes efforts announced by member states and partners to ensure freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, once the conditions are met. Any arrangement related to the Strait of Hormuz must not limit freedom of navigation or alter its governance in any way.

The European Council recalls the role of the EU maritime defensive operation EUNAVFOR ASPIDES, highlights its potential to contribute to stabilising the region, and calls for its reinforcement, in line with its mandate.

Nuclear proliferation activities

The European Council reiterates that Iran must never be allowed to acquire a nuclear weapon. It urges Iran to comply with its legally binding nuclear safeguard obligations under the Non-Proliferation Treaty and to resume full cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency.

It also calls on Iran to put an end to its destabilising activities, including its ballistic missile programme. In light of the increasing threat from the Iranian intelligence services’ use of criminal networks and other proxies, the European Union and its member states reaffirm their commitment to cooperating closely to prevent and counter such hostile actions.

Human rights abuses

The European Council calls on the Iranian regime to cease the violence and repression against its own people. It calls for the respect of the universal human rights and fundamental freedoms of the Iranian people, including the right to choose their own future. In this regard the European Union will continue to work on further restrictive measures against those responsible.

Repression and human rights violations in Iran

Impact of the crisis

The European Union will continue to work, including with regional and global partners, to mitigate the impact of the crisis and to reduce the global vulnerability to the Strait of Hormuz, including through the diversification of energy supply routes.

The European Council takes note of the initiatives proposed by the Commission to address the consequences for the EU in terms of energy security, energy prices and global supply chains, including food security, and calls on the Council and the Commission to continue to monitor the situation.

It reiterates the importance of ensuring preparedness, including regarding possible future migratory flows, working with countries of origin and transit.

Gaza and the West Bank

Humanitarian situation

The European Council expresses its grave concern over the deteriorating situation in Gaza and the West Bank, including the persistent and devastating humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

It calls on Israel to allow immediate, unimpeded access and sustained distribution of humanitarian assistance at scale into and throughout Gaza, including via the Cyprus Maritime Corridor to supplement land routes, and to enable the UN and its agencies, and humanitarian organisations, to work independently and impartially to save lives and reduce suffering.

It also calls on Israel to reopen Gaza border crossings, as well as the medical corridor between Gaza and the West Bank, allow access for international media, and reverse its decision regarding the NGO registration law.

The European Council urges Israel to comply with all its obligations under international law, including international humanitarian law. The protection of civilians needs to be ensured at all times.

The European Council condemns the mistreatment of detainees, including European citizens, following the interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla in international waters and the behaviour of extremist ministers inciting and promoting human rights abuses. The European Council takes note that the Council will continue examining measures in this regard.

EU humanitarian support for Palestinians

A comprehensive, just and lasting peace

The European Council reiterates the European Union’s commitment to a comprehensive, just and lasting peace based on the two-state solution in accordance with relevant UN Security Council Resolutions where two democratic states, Israel and Palestine, live side-by-side in peace within secure and recognised borders.

It recognises the important role played by civil society in peacebuilding efforts and in building the foundations necessary for a negotiated and lasting Israeli-Palestinian peace and in that context welcomes the holding of a dedicated conference in Paris on 12 June 2026.

Recalling its previous conclusions, the European Council expresses its concern about the lack of progress by all actors in the implementation of the ceasefire and all other provisions of UNSCR 2803. It calls on all actors to fully implement them, in line with relevant UN Security Council Resolutions and international political and legal principles.

The European Council calls for the permanent disarmament of Hamas and other non-state armed groups, the full withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Gaza Strip and the deployment of the temporary International Stabilisation Force, as outlined in the Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza Conflict. The European Union firmly rejects Israel’s announcement that it intends to control 70 % of Gaza’s territory.

UN Security Council Resolution 2803

Reconstruction and redevelopment of Gaza

The European Union will continue to work on the implementation of the Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza Conflict in accordance with UNSCR 2803, including through the European Union Border Assistance Mission for the Rafah Crossing Point (EUBAM Rafah) and the European Union Police Mission for the Palestinian Territories (EUPOL COPPS), as well as on the reconstruction and redevelopment of Gaza, in line with international law.

The European Union will continue to support the Palestinian Authority, including in its reform agenda, so that it can securely take back effective control of Gaza.

The European Council calls again on Israel to urgently release all withheld clearance revenues and extend the correspondent banking services between Israeli and Palestinian banks, both being necessary to ensure the proper functioning of the Palestinian Authority and the delivery of essential services to the population. The European Council welcomes the recent release of European funds to the Palestinian Authority, including through the PEGASE mechanism.

The West Bank and settler violence

The European Council reiterates its condemnation of Israel’s unilateral actions aiming to expand its presence in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, which the International Court of Justice’s advisory opinion of 19 July 2024 declared to be unlawful.

It urges the Government of Israel to reverse the expansion of settlements, including in the E1 area, which are illegal under international law, to abide by its obligations under international law and to protect the Palestinian population of the occupied territories, including Christian communities and other minorities, as well as to ensure the preservation of and respect for the Status Quo of Jerusalem’s holy sites.

The European Council stresses that businesses should not bid for construction contracts for E1 or other settlement developments and underlines the legal and reputational consequences for businesses participating in settlement construction, including the risk of serious breaches of international law.

The European Council condemns the continued and growing settler violence against Palestinian civilians, calls for accountability and welcomes the adoption of restrictive measures against extremist settlers and entities and organisations that support settler violence against Palestinian civilians.

It also welcomes the adoption of further restrictive measures against Hamas. The European Council condemns Israel’s adoption of the death penalty law, which is discriminatory, and calls for its immediate repeal.

The European Council takes note of the Commission’s intention to present options before the Council meeting of 13 July 2026, in light of a further deteriorating situation regarding the illegal settlements.

Sanctions against human rights violations

Lebanon

Implementation of the ceasefire

The European Council expresses its serious concern about continued ceasefire violations and urges all actors to fully implement the ceasefire, to engage constructively in the ongoing talks, to prevent further civilian casualties and displacement and to reach a lasting political solution that ensures peace and security for both Lebanon and Israel.

The European Union stands ready to support the implementation of an agreement between Lebanon and Israel. The European Council calls for a permanent end to hostilities, the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure, and full respect of international law, including international humanitarian law.

The European Council strongly condemns Hezbollah’s attacks on Israel and the civilian population in northern Israel and calls for the full disarmament of Hezbollah. It calls on Israel to respect Lebanon’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and to withdraw its forces from Lebanon, in line with UNSCR 1701.

It also calls on Israel to refrain from further escalation. The European Council reaffirms the EU’s support for efforts to ensure the safety of the Lebanese people and for Lebanon’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

EU support for Lebanon

It reiterates the EU’s full support for the Lebanese Government’s efforts to strengthen the country’s institutions, including the Lebanese Armed Forces in view of gaining control of the whole Lebanese territory, and to establish the State’s monopoly on holding weapons.

The European Union will continue to support the Lebanese Armed Forces, including through a possible CSDP mission and through continued and reinforced support under the European Peace Facility.

The European Union will continue to provide sustained support over the long term, in close coordination with international partners. The European Union remains committed to providing emergency aid to the over one million displaced people, in addition to the €100 million humanitarian aid mobilised following the outbreak of hostilities and the humanitarian air bridge operations coordinated with regional partners.

The European Council reiterates its call on all parties to fully implement UNSCR 1701. It reiterates its condemnation of the unacceptable and unlawful attacks on UNIFIL personnel and calls for a thorough investigation. The European Council recalls the importance of a continued UN presence in Lebanon in a post-UNIFIL context and reaffirms the EU’s readiness to contribute in this regard in 2027.