New Delhi: The leaders of Britain, France and Germany have condemned recent attacks on coalition forces in Iraq and called for a de-escalation in the region, after the US killed Iran's most senior military general by attacking his convoy at Baghdad airport.

The three leaders said cycle of violence "must be stopped" and called on "all parties to exercise utmost restraint and responsibility".

Joint statement from President Macron, Chancellor Merkel and Prime Minister Johnson on the situation in Iraq

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.

We 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.

We stand ready to continue our engagement with all sides in order to contribute to defuse tensions and restore stability to the region.

Iran has vowed revenge after General Qassem Soleimani was killed in an air strike by the United States.