Left MEPs have called for continued dialogue with Iran as the nuclear deal was put on life support following the US strike that killed Iranian general Qassem Suleimani.

MEP Connie Ernst (DIE LINKE, Germany), chair of the European Parliament’s delegation for relations with Iran, said that Trump’s sanctions and clandestine assassinations have emboldened conservative forces in the country:

“Trump is tearing down what has taken a lot of effort to build in the last 15 years. This is leading to increased insecurity from nuclear threats. In Iran, ultra-conservative forces are again on the rise.

“We demand an end to the United States’ policy of escalation and call on European governments to continue engagement and dialogue.”

GUE/NGL co-President Manon Aubry (France Insoumise, France) called on the EU to end its silence and acquiescence with Trump’s adventurism:

“Trump’s irresponsible behaviour is threatening world peace. The European Union must firmly condemn this violation of international law and put all its weight behind avoiding any further escalation of violence.”

Co-President Martin Schirdewan (DIE LINKE, Germany) warns of a catastrophic war otherwise:

“It is essential to prevent further escalation of violence or else there is a risk of full-blown war across the region with devastating consequences for Europe.

“All parties have to abide by applicable international law and human rights. The same applies to the Trump administration. I urge Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to spare no effort in the cause of peace,” Schirdewan concluded.

GUE/NGL MEPs have written to EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell calling on the EU to take a strong lead to de-escalate the situation, and their comments come on the heels of the Iraqi parliament’s vote on Sunday which compelled the country’s government “to work towards ending the presence of all foreign troops on Iraqi soil”.

For more reaction on the fallout from the killing of General Qassem Suleimani, you can follow our MEPs Özlem Alev Demirel, Mick Wallace and Clare Daly on Twitter.