The EU likens the Middle East to a 'pot that could explode'.

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Warnings of escalating conflict in the Middle East.

Politico recently reported that EU's top diplomat, Josep Borrell, warned against further escalation in the Middle East on February 3 (local time) following US attacks on Iranian-linked groups in Syria and Iraq, and reports that Israel intends to launch an attack against Hamas in the town of Rafah.

"Everyone should try to avoid the situation from escalating," Borrell said before chairing informal talks between EU foreign ministers in Brussels, adding that the Middle East "is a cauldron that could explode."

The U.S. military on February 2nd conducted airstrikes targeting 85 targets linked to Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and pro-Iranian groups in Iraq and Syria. President Joe Biden warned that Washington would “continue” to retaliate for last weekend's drone attack that killed three U.S. soldiers in Jordan.

Amid reports that US attacks have killed more than 40 people, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Nasser Kanaani said in a statement that it represents “another strategic and reckless mistake by the US, which will only lead to increased tension and instability in the region.”

According to AFP, Russia has proposed convening a meeting of the United Nations Security Council.

When asked about the current situation, Mr. Borrell said: "We urge everyone to try to avoid escalation."

The EU's top diplomat also expressed deep concern about the Israel-Hamas conflict, saying that around 1 million Palestinians "have gradually been displaced toward the Egyptian border."

He stated, "They claim these are safe zones, but in reality, what we see is bombing affecting civilians continuing and creating a very dire situation," emphasizing that the conflict has created a "domino effect."

Tensions remain high in the Red Sea.

He added: "As long as the war in Gaza continues, it is difficult to believe that the situation in the Red Sea will improve, because one thing is interconnected with another."

After Houthi forces began attacking ships in the Red Sea in what they described as an act of solidarity with the Palestinians against Israel, the U.S.-UK-coordinated Operation Prosperous Guardian has been conducting airstrikes against Houthi targets in Yemen.

The EU is aiming to launch a naval mission in the region later this month to help protect international vessels from attacks, but is seeking to differentiate itself from the UK and US campaign, and Borrell reiterated that the mission would be purely "defensive".

The EU mission has not yet received final approval, which is awaiting a meeting of foreign ministers on February 19, and diplomat Borrell said he hopes it can take place by the end of this month.