BRUSSELS -- European Union (EU) leaders on Saturday said developments in Iran were "greatly concerning" and urged all sides to exercise maximum restraint.

"We remain in close contact with our partners in the region," European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said in a joint statement.

They underscored the importance of ensuring nuclear safety and avoiding steps that could further escalate tensions or undermine the global non-proliferation regime.

"We call on all parties to exercise maximum restraint, to protect civilians, and to fully respect international law," the statement said.

Meanwhile, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said on X that the latest developments across the Middle East were "perilous," adding that non-essential EU personnel were being withdrawn from the region.

Kallas said she had spoken with Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar and other ministers in the region, and that the EU was coordinating closely with Arab partners to explore diplomatic paths.