EU leaders call for moratorium on strikes against energy and water facilities in Middle East

BRUSSELS, March 19 (Reuters) - Leaders from the European Union's 27 countries called for de-escalation in Iran and the wider region on Thursday as well as a moratorium on striking critical infrastructure, amid growing concerns about the impact of the Iran war on the global economy.

Leaders discussed the situation in the Middle East and its broader implications during a regular summit in Brussels.

"The European Council calls for de-escalation and maximum restraint, the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure and full respect of international law by all parties," the leaders said in written conclusions following their talks.

"In this regard, it calls for a moratorium on strikes against energy and water facilities," they said.