BRUSSELS, Belgium: EU chief Ursula von der Leyen called for a “credible transition” in Iran on Sunday, after the martyrdom of Iran´s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in US-Israeli strikes.
Foreign ministers from the EU´s 27 nations -- most of which are Nato members -- were holding extraordinary talks to discuss the situation via video link on Sunday afternoon.
Writing on social media after calls with several Middle East leaders, von der Leyen said Khamenei´s death spurred “renewed hope for the people of Iran”.
“At the same time, this moment carries a real risk of instability that could push the region into a spiral of violence,” the European Commission president added.
Nato said its top commander in Europe was “closely” following developments in the Middle East and adjusting forces as needed to defend against “potential threats” -- citing in particular “ballistic missiles or unmanned aerial vehicles, emanating from this or other regions”.
The commander, US General Alexus Grynkewich, was speaking “actively and regularly” with military leaders on both sides of the Atlantic, and with Nato´s Secretary General Mark Rutte, the alliance said.
