Europe has yet to understand the goals of the military operation in the Middle East, Czech President Petr Pavel told journalists at a press conference with Latvian President Edgars Rinkevics at the Riga Castle.
The Czech president noted that various possible goals of the operation are being discussed - the cessation of Iran's nuclear program and ballistic missile development program, analysts mention regime change, but there is no confirmation of these goals. Furthermore, statements from U.S. President Donald Trump indicated that the operation would not last long and that its goals have already been achieved.
Europe, in Pavel's opinion, must continue to exert pressure on Iran to disclose information about its nuclear program in accordance with the agreement and allow inspections. The President of the Czech Republic also believes that it is necessary to work with countries in the region to stabilize the situation after the active phase of the military conflict.
The continuation of the conflict does not serve the interests of the U.S., Israel, or the countries in the region, China, and Asian countries, as instability will affect oil and gas markets, he added. According to him, stabilizing the situation is important for Europe not because of rising gas and oil prices, but because instability could lead to a new influx of migrants into Europe, so it is necessary to urge all parties to begin negotiations as soon as possible.
Rinkevics reminded that the U.S. and Israel did not involve Europe when making the decision to initiate military operations, and the consequences are felt not only in Europe but also in other regions of the world. Some EU countries have already taken the initiative to participate with ships in patrolling the Strait of Hormuz and its opening, but a major problem for the EU is that it takes a long time to come together, discuss strategy, and start acting as a whole.
In Rinkevics' opinion, the only way to deal with the current situation is to communicate with the leaders of the countries in the region and work within the framework of transatlantic ties to try to de-escalate the conflict by applying diplomatic and political pressure on Iran regarding its nuclear program. Europe will only be taken seriously when it becomes stronger from a military and technological standpoint, Rinkevics stated.
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