European leaders have urged both Israel and Iran to show restraint following Israeli airstrikes that targeted multiple sites, including nuclear facilities, deep inside Iran.

This operation, termed 'Rising Lion', reportedly struck a dozen Iranian locations, which Iran condemned as a "declaration of war."

Responses from European leaders, particularly the E3 – France, Britain, and Germany, signatories to the 2015 Iran nuclear deal, have been measured.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, after discussions with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, convened a security cabinet meeting, emphasizing the need for both parties to avoid steps that might escalate the situation further while reaffirming Israel's right to self-defense.

Merz stated, "The goal must remain that Iran does not develop nuclear weapons."

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer also expressed the necessity for calm, asserting that further escalation would not benefit any party in the region.

French President Emmanuel Macron had not provided a direct comment on the airstrikes as of Friday morning but convened a national security council meeting at the Élysée Palace.

In its official response, France’s foreign ministry echoed calls for de-escalation and expressed concerns regarding Iran’s nuclear activities.

This echoed a recent resolution passed at the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), co-sponsored by the E3, which criticized Iran for failing to meet its transparency obligations regarding its nuclear program.

The previous day, the E3 had introduced an IAEA resolution stating that Iran was still not meeting its obligations to disclose work related to nuclear-capable material enrichment.

In response, Tehran threatened to accelerate uranium enrichment within its nuclear facilities.

After the Israeli attacks, IAEA chief Rafael Grossi expressed his willingness to visit Iran to assess the ongoing situation.

According to reports, one of the strikes targeted Iran's primary enrichment site located in Natanz.

European leaders, including Ursula von der Leyen and António Costa, emphasized that a diplomatic solution has become increasingly urgent.

Estonia’s EU foreign minister Kaja Kallas spoke with her Israeli counterpart, Gideon Sa'ar, indicating Brussels' perspective on the dangerous nature of the situation and their readiness to support diplomatic efforts aimed at de-escalation.

Given the diminished role of Europe in the region, European leaders are increasingly looking towards Washington for assistance.

NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte highlighted the importance of swift action from Israel's allies to mitigate tensions.

G7 leaders, convening in Canada over the weekend, are expected to receive briefings from the United States regarding the ongoing situation in the Middle East.

European diplomats indicated that the US remains the pivotal player concerning Iran matters, with Europe's role often reactive and marginal.

Experts from the European Council on Foreign Relations (ECFR) have urged European policymakers to avoid involvement in a potential confrontation.

They recommend maintaining a presence on the ground to protect personnel, assisting in the safeguarding of nuclear sites, and ensuring the safety of IAEA inspectors.

Coordinating with the US and Gulf states while keeping open communication with Iran is considered essential for preserving diplomatic avenues.