Brussels, March 9, 2026 – European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen convened an emergency meeting of all 27 commissioners today as the conflict in Iran intensifies, following days of US and Israeli airstrikes that killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The meeting, described as “security-focused,” included commissioners whose portfolios are not traditionally involved in security policy, signaling a broadening of the Commission’s response.
The rapid escalation began last Saturday with US strikes on Iran, prompting von der Leyen to immediately issue a statement calling the developments “greatly concerning.” Since then, she has posted twelve times on X regarding Iran and engaged in discussions with at least twelve EU and Gulf leaders, including the Crown Princes of Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, according to sources familiar with the diplomatic efforts.
Von der Leyen has also publicly called for a “credible transition” in Iran, a position that aligns with the US and Israel’s apparent desire for regime change, but has not been formally endorsed by all 27 EU member states. Israel’s Foreign Minister, Gideon Sa’ar, indicated that while neither his country nor the US intends to impose a specific candidate, they aim to “create the conditions on the ground” for a potential uprising against the current government.
The EU’s response has been complicated by internal divisions. EU foreign ministers struggled to agree on a joint statement in the immediate aftermath of the strikes, highlighting a lack of consensus on how to address the crisis. This difficulty in forging a unified front was underscored by a tougher statement issued Sunday night by the leaders of France, Germany, and the United Kingdom, which emphasized a commitment to regional stability and condemned Iranian retaliatory attacks, while also clarifying that they did not participate in the US-Israeli strikes.
The emergency meeting of commissioners coincides with a scheduled gathering of European ministers in Cyprus. Latvian Foreign Minister Baiba Braže stated the EU’s priority is to “ensure the protection of civilians and the de-escalation of the situation as well as to ensure that the Iranian people are able to express their will – while maintaining unwavering support for Ukraine and continuing pressure on Russia.”
The crisis is raising concerns about potential economic repercussions for Europe. Reports suggest a possible gas shock, with Europe still unprepared for further disruptions to energy supplies. Analysts are warning that a prolonged conflict could lead to a slide in the value of the euro. The European Commission president’s increasingly prominent role in foreign policy, extending beyond the Commission’s formal powers, is also drawing scrutiny, with critics alleging a “power grab.”
A joint statement released on February 28th by President Costa of Portugal and President von der Leyen reiterated their “steadfast commitment to safeguarding regional security and stability” in light of the developments in Iran. However, the path forward remains unclear, and the EU has not announced any specific new measures beyond the emergency meetings and diplomatic consultations.
