BERLIN, Germany — Britain, Germany and France slammed Iran for retaliating to US-Israel strikes Saturday with attacks on countries in the Middle East hosting US military bases.
"We condemn Iranian attacks on countries in the region in the strongest terms," UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said in a joint statement after discussing the conflict.
The United States and Israel on Saturday conducted air strikes across Iran, with Israel's public broadcaster saying Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was among the targets.
Tehran responded with missile launches against Israel and Gulf countries hosting US bases, sparking fears of a conflagration in the Middle East.
Britain, France and Germany -- all NATO member countries -- said in their statement "we did not participate in these strikes".
They added that they were, however, "in close contact" with the United States, Israel and allies in the region.
"Iran must refrain from indiscriminate military strikes," the three European countries said.
"We call for a resumption of negotiations and urge the Iranian leadership to seek a negotiated solution. Ultimately, the Iranian people must be allowed to determine their future."