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EU Reaffirms Support for Iran Deal, Warns Against Regional Conflict

Lisa Bryant

   PARIS - European Union foreign ministers Friday called for an urgent
   de-escalation of spiraling violence in the Middle East and Libya,
   saying the region cannot afford another war -- and they reiterating
   their commitment to the Iran nuclear deal.

   Speaking to reporters after emergency talks in Brussels, EU foreign
   affairs chief Josep Borrell issued a grim warning.

   "The region cannot afford another war, and we call for an urgent
   de-escalation and maximum restraint to every part," he said.

   He said the uptick in regional violence risks jeopardizing years of
   effort to stabilize Iraq. The Europeans among others fear a resurgent
   Islamic State as one fallout.

   The Brussels meeting capped an eventful week, with Iran responding to
   Washington's deadly strike in Iraq on top commander Qassem Soleimani
   with missile attacks on two bases in Iraq. For its part, Iraq has
   demanded the U.S. to withdraw its troops from the country.

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