Maltese MEP Daniel Attard has called for diplomacy and de-escalation as tensions continue to rise in the Middle East following military action involving Iran.Speaking on Context USA Today, Attard, who serves as Vice Chair of the European Parliament’s delegation for relations with Iran and is part of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats, stressed that diplomacy must remain the priority despite the ongoing crisis.Attard was asked to react to comments made by US President Donald Trump about European leaders, including criticism of the UK and Spain during a meeting with the German Chancellor in the Oval Office.In response, Attard said he preferred to focus on the long-standing partnership between Europe and the United States rather than the remarks directed at specific leaders.“The US and Europe, and also the UK, have shared fundamental values and decades of strategic partnership,” he said, adding that he believes the transatlantic relationship will endure beyond any single crisis.The interview also touched on the legality of the military operation against Iran, with Attard acknowledging that there are “serious legal questions” surrounding the situation.However, he argued that the roots of the crisis lie in the actions of the Iranian regime, which he said has destabilised the region for decades while repressing its own people.“The ultimate responsibility of this conflict lies with the Iranian regime,” he said.Despite this, Attard emphasised that war should not be the solution.“I would rather have ten years of diplomacy than a single day of war,” he said, warning that ordinary Iranian citizens are the ultimate victims of the conflict.Attard urged Europe to play a stronger role in seeking de-escalation, saying the EU should lead diplomatic efforts while also protecting its citizens.He also pointed to the importance of sanctions, noting that the European Parliament has previously called for harsher sanctions against the Iranian regime, which he said had been working before the situation escalated.Attard argued that Europe should not act as a passive observer in global crises.“Europe should never be a spectator,” he said, adding that while the EU should maintain strategic partnerships with allies like the United States, it should also build greater strategic autonomy when responding to international conflicts.What do you make of this?Video credits to @daniel__attard View this post on Instagram A post shared by Lovin Malta (@lovinmalta)•