European Leaders Rush to Protect Citizens After US-Israeli Strikes on Iran

European nations are working urgently to safeguard their citizens in the Middle East following coordinated US and Israeli military strikes against Iran on Saturday. Germany has called an emergency meeting while the European Union evacuates some regional staff. Most European allies say they received little to no advance warning of the attacks.

European officials are working frantically to ensure their citizens’ safety in the Middle East and determine their response after the United States and Israel conducted coordinated military strikes against Iran on Saturday.

Germany has scheduled an emergency session for Saturday to address the Iranian situation, while the European Union has begun evacuating certain personnel from the region.

The coordinated assault by the US and Israel targeted multiple locations throughout Iran, with President Donald Trump making an unprecedented call for Iranian citizens to “take over your government” — a remarkable statement suggesting efforts to topple the nation’s religious government following decades of conflict.

It remains uncertain whether America’s European partners received advance notification of the military action. German officials stated they were only briefed about the strikes on Saturday morning, while France’s deputy defense minister indicated they anticipated something would occur but lacked specific timing.

In response to the military action, the EU’s chief diplomat characterized the Middle Eastern conflict as “perilous” and announced her efforts with Israeli and Arab leaders to pursue diplomatic solutions.

“Iran’s regime has killed thousands. Its ballistic missile and nuclear programmes, along with support for terror groups, pose a serious threat to global security,” stated Kaja Kallas, the 27-nation bloc’s foreign policy leader, through social media.

“The EU is also coordinating closely with Arab partners to explore diplomatic paths.”

Kallas confirmed the EU was removing some regional personnel while maintaining its naval operations in the Red Sea. The European Union recently imposed additional sanctions on Iran and key officials, which led Tehran to respond with counter-sanctions.

German authorities announced they were tracking developments in Iran, Israel and throughout the Middle East after receiving notification of the Israeli operations Saturday morning. Germany’s crisis response team is set to convene at noon to evaluate the Iranian situation.

Chancellor Friedrich Merz was already in discussions with security ministers and European counterparts.

German officials advised their citizens in Iran, Israel, and surrounding areas to register through the official overseas citizen system and comply with local authority guidance for personal safety measures.

France, which maintains military installations and regular operations in the Middle East, is advising French nationals in the region to use extreme care.

“A military escalation is underway. … It’s not the time for negotiations, we are in a situation of war,” deputy Defense Minister Alice Rufo stated on France-2 television Saturday, drawing parallels to events from last June.

“Our priority is the protection of our citizens and protection of our forces in the region,” she explained.

When questioned about French military participation in the US-Israeli operations or whether they faced retaliatory attacks, French military spokesman Col. Guillaume Vernet said Saturday: “The French armed forces continuously adapt their posture to threats and implement measures to ensure the surveillance and protection of military installations where French soldiers are deployed.”

He declined to provide additional details.

“Our military presence guarantees France’s independent assessment of the situation,” he informed the AP.

Italian leadership advised its citizens to use maximum caution and follow embassy guidance throughout the region. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s office announced she would contact regional allies and leaders in the coming hours to “support any initiative that may lead to a de-escalation of tensions.”

“Italy reiterates its support to the Iranian civilian population, who courageously continue to demand respect for their civil and political rights,” Meloni’s office stated.

Switzerland demanded complete adherence to international law and called on “all parties to exercise maximum restraint, protect civilians and civilian infrastructure.”