TEHRAN – Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi has called upon the European Union (EU) to adopt a unified position to halt Israel's ongoing aggression in West Asia.

During a meeting with the EU’s foreign policy chief, Josep Borrell, held on the sidelines of the 2024 United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York on Tuesday, Araqchi emphasized the need for decisive EU action.

In a statement shared on X (formerly known as Twitter), Araqchi described the discussions with Borrell as "useful," highlighting a broad range of issues of mutual concern. 

Among the topics addressed were the continued nuclear negotiations, the escalating crisis in West Asia—exacerbated by Israeli aggression against Lebanon—ongoing issues in Ukraine, and the importance of avoiding double standards in human rights practices.

“I urged the EU to prevent certain members from supporting the Israeli regime and, instead, to take a unified European position to stop Israel’s escalation in the region,” Araqchi stated. His comments come amid rising tensions as Israeli military actions have intensified in Lebanon and Gaza.

On Monday, Israeli forces launched over 330 airstrikes across more than 117 Lebanese towns and cities, particularly targeting the southern regions and the Beqaa Valley. The attacks have resulted in the deaths of at least 569 people, including 50 children and 94 women, with more than 5,000 wounded.

Meanwhile, in Gaza, Israel's military campaign has caused significant devastation. Since October 2023, over 41,460 Palestinians have been killed, and nearly 1.9 million—approximately 90% of Gaza's population—have been displaced.

The deteriorating situation has drawn international concern. During the same UNGA session, UN Secretary-General António Guterres warned world leaders that Lebanon stands "on the brink" due to the escalating violence. He called for immediate action, stressing that the conflict in Gaza posed a severe threat to regional stability.

“Gaza is a nonstop nightmare that threatens to engulf the entire region. Look no further than Lebanon, which risks becoming the next Gaza,” Guterres cautioned in his address.

Araqchi's meeting with Borrell was just one of several bilateral discussions the Iranian foreign minister held during his visit to New York. 

On Wednesday, he met with Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis to discuss bilateral ties and key regional and international issues. He also held talks with British Foreign Secretary David Lammy and Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov, where they exchanged views on regional dynamics and broader international concerns.

The 79th UN General Assembly, marked by these high-level diplomatic exchanges, has been overshadowed by the mounting violence in West Asia, with many world leaders calling for urgent de-escalation to prevent further destabilization of the region.