The president of the European Council, António Costa, called for a diplomatic resolution to the ongoing conflict involving Iran, warning that continued fighting risked worsening instability while benefiting Russia.

Speaking on Tuesday at an annual meeting of European Union ambassadors in Brussels, Mr Costa expressed support for the Iranian people but stressed that military action cannot deliver freedom or human rights.

“The European Union stands with the long-suffering people of Iran. We support their right to live in peace and determine their own future. Freedom and human rights cannot be achieved through bombs. Only international law upholds them,” he said.

Mr Costa also stressed the importance of protecting civilians and ensuring nuclear safety as tensions continue to escalate in the region, urging all sides to avoid further intensifying the conflict.

Turning to the broader geopolitical consequences, Mr Costa argued that Russia has emerged as the main beneficiary of the war. So far, there is only one winner in this war: Russia,” he added.

According to Mr Costa, the conflict in Iran is weakening the position of Ukraine by diverting global attention and potentially undermining respect for international law.

He referred to concerns that a strike by the United States and Israel on Iranian targets could violate international norms.

He said rising energy prices linked to the conflict could provide Moscow with additional revenue to fund its ongoing war against Ukraine.

The fighting also risked redirecting military resources that might otherwise support Kyiv and shifting international focus away from the Ukrainian battlefield, Mr Costa added.

(dpa/NAN)