BRUSSELS, Belgium (AFP) — The European Union (EU)  called Saturday for “maximum restraint” after Israel and the United States launched strikes on Iran, sparking retaliatory attacks.

European Union chief Ursula von der Leyen described the developments as “greatly concerning”, as the 27-nation bloc moved to withdraw non-essential personnel from the region.

“Ensuring nuclear safety and preventing any actions that could further escalate tensions or undermine the global non-proliferation regime is of critical importance,” said von der Leyen, the European Commission President.

“We call on all parties to exercise maximum restraint, to protect civilians, and to fully respect international law,” she added in a joint statement with European Council President Antonio Costa.

The United States (US) and Israel launched a wave of strikes against Iran Saturday, with Israel’s public broadcaster reporting that supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was among the targets.

The Islamic republic retaliated with barrages of missiles at Gulf states hosting US bases and at Israel.

Explosions were heard in the capitals of Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar and the UAE.

Blasts were also reported in the skies over Jerusalem.

“Our consular network is fully engaged in facilitating departures for EU citizens. Non-essential EU personnel are being withdrawn from the region,” said the EU’s top diplomat, Kaja Kallas.

The EU’s Aspides naval mission in the Red Sea remained “on high alert” and stood ready to help keep the maritime corridor open, Kallas said, adding she had spoken to Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar and other ministers in the region.

“The latest developments across the Middle East are perilous. Iran’s regime has killed thousands. Its ballistic missile and nuclear programmes, along with support for terror groups, pose a serious threat to global security,” she wrote on social media.

EU member state representatives will hold emergency talks in Brussels on Sunday about the situation, according to a spokeswoman for Cyprus, which holds the EU’s rotating presidency.

The commission would also meet to discuss the situation on Monday, von der Leyen said.

“It is of the utmost importance that there is no further escalation through Iran’s unjustified attacks on partners in the region,” she wrote on social media.