01/03/2026 Political Affairs and Democracy
Dora Bakoyannis (Greece, EPP/CD), PACE rapporteur on the situation in the Middle East, made the following statement today:
“I am following with profound concern the outbreak of open hostilities between Israel, the United States and Iran.
This escalation carries grave consequences for international peace and security. It risks pushing the Middle East into a spiral of violence with unpredictable and uncontrollable repercussions.
I call on all parties to exercise maximum restraint and to fully respect international law, including the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure. Indiscriminate attacks against countries not directly party to the conflict only deepen instability and widen the risk of regional war.
Iran must engage in good faith in negotiations to address concerns regarding its nuclear and ballistic programmes, as well as its destabilising regional activities. A diplomatic solution remains the only sustainable path to security in the Middle East.
At the same time, the Iranian people must be able to freely determine and build their own future. Lasting stability in the region cannot be achieved without respect for fundamental rights and the voice of the people.
I am in close contact with European partners and colleagues across the region. As PACE rapporteur on the situation in the Middle East, I stand ready to support diplomatic efforts aimed at immediate de-escalation and a return to dialogue.”