Macron, Merkel and Johnson call for "de-escalation"

In a joint statement, heads of state and government of France, Germany and the United Kingdom said there is "urgent need for de-escalation".

French President, Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor, Angela Merkel and British PM, Boris Johnson called on both the United States and Iran to "exercise utmost restraint and responsibility".

The statement said: "We have condemned the recent attacks on coalitions forces in Iraq and are gravely concerned by the negative role Iran has played in the region, including through the IRGC and the Al-Qods force under the command of General Soleimani."

The statement added: "There is now an urgent need for de-escalation. We call on all parties to exercise utmost restraint and responsibility. The current cycle of violence in Iraq must be stopped.

We specifically call on Iran to refrain from further violent action or proliferation, and urge Iran to reverse all measures inconsistent with the JCPOA."

The three head of states also "recall our attachment to the sovereignty and security of Iraq. Another crisis risks jeopardizing years of efforts to stabilize Iraq.

We also reaffirm our commitment to continue the fight against Daesh, which remains a high priority. The preservation of the Coalition is key in this regard. We therefore urge the Iraqi authorities to continue providing the Coalition all the necessary support."

The statement ended with the following remarks: "We stand ready to continue our engagement with all sides in order to contribute to defuse tensions and restore stability to the region."