Foreign affairs committee chairs of Baltic parliaments condemn Iran's attacks on Israel

TALLINN – Chairman of the Estonian parliament's foreign affairs committee Marko Mihkelson, chairman of the foreign affairs committee of the Latvian parliament Rihards Kols and chairman of the Lithuanian parliament's foreign affairs committee Zygimantas Pavilionis issued a joint statement in which they condemn Iran's recent attacks against Israel and call for the imposition of substantial sanctions against Iran.

The committee chairs note in the joint statement that early Sunday, Iran, along with its proxies operating from Yemen, Syria and Iraq, executed an unprecedented aerial assault on Israel. They add that these acts constitute a flagrant violation of both international legal standards and the foundational principles of the United Nations Charter, posing a severe threat to the maintenance of global peace and security.

It is said in the statement that the aggressive stance adopted by Iran, bolstered by its longstanding support of terrorism via proxy organizations, firmly positions it as a leading entity in the promotion of regional instability and international terroristic activities.

"Despite Iran's assertions to the contrary, its historical backing of groups engaging in terrorist acts against Israel belies any claims of non-aggression. Such hostilities serve only to further destabilize the Middle East and increase the risks to global safety," the committee chairs add.

According to them, the necessity for a unified and immediate response from the international community to these provocations is paramount.

"Iran's actions, part of a broader pattern of aggressive behaviors, highlight its role at the center of a new axis of evil, alongside Russia. This alliance poses a profound and escalating threat to global security, systematically undermining the sovereignty of nations and the stability of international order," the committee chairs write in the joint statement.

They also call for the imposition of substantial sanctions against Iran, coupled with The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps’ designation as a terrorist organization. 

"This action is necessitated by Iran's persistent endorsement of terrorist activities and its involvement in direct acts of aggression towards sovereign states. The recent assaults bring to light the critical nature of Iran's strategic capabilities, including its nuclear aspirations, and underscore the necessity for urgent and decisive countermeasures," the committee chairs add.

According to Mihkelson, Kols and Pavilionis, in adopting a stance of unified condemnation and advocating for firm action against Iran, they reaffirm their dedication to upholding global security and averting further escalations within the Middle Eastern region. The collaboration between Iran and various factions in perpetuating terror and instability highlights the essential need for a coordinated and robust reaction from the global community.

"Through this statement, we express our solidarity with the people of Israel and all those who seek peace and stability in opposition to terrorism and aggression. In the face of authoritarian threats and acts of barbarism, it is imperative for democracies around the world to stand tall and strong, united in their resolve to safeguard the principles of freedom, justice, and the rule of law that form the bedrock of our global community," they add.