BRUSSELS, Belgium (AFP) — European Union (EU) chief Ursula von der Leyen called for a “credible transition” in Iran on Sunday, after the killing of Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in United States (US)-Israeli strikes.

Foreign ministers from the EU’s 27 nations — most of which are NATO members — were holding extraordinary talks to discuss the situation via video link Sunday afternoon.

Writing on social media after calls with several Middle East leaders, von der Leyen said Khamenei’s death spurred “renewed hope for the people of Iran”.

“At the same time, this moment carries a real risk of instability that could push the region into a spiral of violence,” the European Commission president added.

The Islamic republic launched a new round of retaliatory attacks across the Gulf on Sunday after vowing to avenge Khamenei.

NATO said its top commander in Europe was “closely” following developments in the Middle East and adjusting forces as needed to defend against “potential threats” — citing in particular “ballistic missiles or unmanned aerial vehicles, emanating from this or other regions”.

The commander, US General Alexus Grynkewich, was speaking “actively and regularly” with military leaders on both sides of the Atlantic, and with NATO’s Secretary General Mark Rutte, the alliance said.

Von der Leyen said Brussels was engaging closely “with all key actors” to safeguard stability and security and to protect civilian lives.

“The risk of further escalation is real. This is why a credible transition in Iran is urgently needed,” she wrote on X, calling for a “lasting solution”, after speaking with Qatar’s ruler Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.

“This must mean the halt of Iran’s military nuclear and ballistic missile programmes and the end of destabilising actions on air, land and at sea.”

Von der Leyen said she also spoke with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Jordan’s King Abdullah II.

Likewise, the EU’s top diplomat, Kaja Kallas, said she was in contact with regional partners “that bear the brunt of Iran’s military actions” to find practical steps for de-escalation.

“The death of Ali Khamenei is a defining moment in Iran’s history,” she wrote on X.

“What comes next is uncertain. But there is now an open path to a different Iran, one that its people may have greater freedom to shape”.