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World Reaction to US-Iran Tensions Focuses on De-escalation

VOA News

   Governments are urging the United States and Iran to take steps to
   de-escalate tensions after a series of attacks on each other's
   interests in Iraq.

   "The current crisis deeply affects not only the region, but all of us,
   and the use of weapons must stop now to give space to dialogue," said
   EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. "We all are called upon
   to do everything possible to rekindle talks and there cannot be enough
   of that.

   British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab on Wednesday condemned Iran's
   missile attack on two Iraqi air bases that house U.S. and coalition
   forces, including British troops.

   "We urge Iran not to repeat these reckless and dangerous attacks, and
   instead to pursue urgent de-escalation," Raab said.

   He added that a war in the region would only help Islamic State, the
   militant group at the center of the coalition's mission in Iraq.

   In China, foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said the parties
   involved should exercise restraint, and that China urges dialogue and
   other peaceful steps to protect peace and stability in the region.

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