BELGIUM – The European Union on Tuesday decried the Trump’s threats of attacking Iran‘s critical civilian infrastructure, warning that such actions would escalate regional tensions and affect millions of people.

“We have always said that diplomacy is the answer,” EU Commission spokesperson Anitta Hipper told reporters at the midday briefing.

“From our side, we reject any threats … (of) attacks regarding critical civilian infrastructure, such attacks risk impacting millions of people across the Middle East and beyond, and also may lead to further dangerous escalation,” she added.

Hipper reiterated the EU’s call for “maximum restraint,” emphasizing the need to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure, and urging all parties to respect international law and international humanitarian law.

The comments came amid threats by US President Donald Trump, who warned that the American military could target Iranian bridges and power plants if Tehran did not reopen the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz by Tuesday night at 8 pm EDT (0000GMT Wednesday).

Regional escalations have continued to rage since Israel and the US launched an offensive against Iran on Feb. 28, killing more than 1,340 people, including then-Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Iranian authorities have not updated the toll in recent days.

Tehran has retaliated with drone and missile strikes targeting Israel, Jordan, Iraq, and Gulf countries hosting US military assets, causing casualties and damage to infrastructure while disrupting global markets and aviation.