This week, the European Parliament debated the situation in the Middle East. The discussion included recent events such as U.S. airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites and previous Israeli attacks on Iranian targets. In response, Iran launched missile attacks on Israeli cities. Meanwhile, the humanitarian catastrophe and suffering in Gaza may be fading from the headlines, but not from reality. And ceasefire negotiations are dragging on.

During the plenary debate on June 16, EU High Representative Kaja Kallas said: Iran is one of the main sources of instability in the region. It must never obtain a nuclear weapon. She also stressed that diplomacy is the best way to stop Iran’s nuclear program in the long term.

In my speech, I reminded everyone: We must not forget the people caught in the crossfire, suffering under authoritarian rule.

Our foreign policy must be centered on people – on their dignity and on international law. And it must support those who long for a lasting peace – one that is built on freedom. For everyone.