VON DER LEYEN CALLS FOR NEGOTIATED SOLUTION IN IRAN CONFLICT- Says Israel has a right to defend itself against Iran
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said Israel has a right to defend itself against Iran, adding that a diplomatic solution was the best option in the long-term to address Iran’s nuclear program.
Speaking to reporters ahead of a gathering of G7 leaders in Canada, von der Leyen said she had spoken with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in a phone call to discuss the situation.
Global attention has shifted to the Middle East, as the unfolding regional conflict and subsequent oil price spike have added to concerns over the global economy.
Leaders of the world’s largest industrial nations are meeting in Canada’s Rockies with European countries.
The European Commission President, with regards to trade negotiations with the Trump administration, said she preferred a negotiated solution ahead of a July 9 deadline. Von der Leyen, however, stated that the bloc was preparing contingencies in the event no agreement was reached.
