EU Heads of State have agreed to "isolate Iran" by engaging with countries in the region, in particular Lebanon, in an attempt to avoid any escalation in the Middle East, Council President Charles Michel said on Thursday.
"We must be very active diplomatically and engage with the countries of the region, which are aware that Iran is a threat not only to Israel but also to the whole region," stressed Michel, at the end of the first part of the European summit devoted to international issues.
European leaders confirmed the desire expressed on Wednesday by their foreign affairs ministers to extend sanctions against Iran, in particular on the supply of drones and missiles, following Teheran's unprecedented air attack on Israel at the weekend.
The Council is focusing on the situation in Lebanon, where the Islamist militant group Hezbollah, affiliated with Iran, is active. The country, which has been in crisis for many years, hosts a large number of refugees from the war in Syria.
The EU says it is ready to strengthen its support for the Lebanese armed forces, as well as for refugee reception and combating smugglers. On this matter, Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulidis announced that he would visit Lebanon with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on 2 May.
