EU chief Ursula von der Leyen has called for “maximum restraint” after Israel and the United States launched strikes on Iran, sparking retaliatory attacks, adding that ensuring nuclear safety was “critical”, AFP reports.

“Ensuring nuclear safety and preventing any actions that could further escalate tensions or undermine the global non-proliferation regime is of critical importance,” von der Leyen, the European Commission President, said, describing the developments in Iran as “concerning”.

“We call on all parties to exercise maximum restraint, to protect civilians, and to fully respect international law,” she added in a joint statement with European Council President Antonio Costa.