Latvia condemns Iranian attacks and expresses solidarity with the Gulf states - Braze

RIGA - Latvian Foreign Minister Baiba Braze (New Unity) at a meeting of the foreign ministers of the European Union (EU) countries and the Gulf Cooperation Council convened by EU High Representative, Kaja Kallas, said that Latvia strongly condemns Iran's unprovoked attacks on Middle Eastern and Gulf countries, LETA was told at the Foreign Ministry.

The minister said that the attacks pose a threat to regional and international peace and security and violate the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the countries in the region. The foreign ministers of the EU and the Gulf Cooperation Council adopted a joint statement.

Braze noted that Latvia expressed its strong condemnation of Iran’s unprovoked attacks on countries in the Middle East region at the UN Security Council.

"Latvia stands in full solidarity with both the Iranian people and those in the countries affected by Iran's attacks. We deeply appreciate the resilience shown by countries in the Middle East and the Gulf region in withstanding and repelling Iran's attacks. I informed the ministers of the Gulf region about Latvia’s achievements in drone technology and that we can provide the countries in the region with anti-drone systems developed in Latvia," the Latvian minister said.

In her view, the priority now is to ensure the protection of civilians, avoid a wider regional conflict, and prevent further escalation of the situation. Stability in the region is essential for global security.

Braze noted that Iran has consistently and deliberately acted to disrupt stability both in the Middle East and globally, including by providing direct assistance to Russia in its war against Ukraine. Iran is using Shahed drones in its attacks on countries in the Middle East and the Gulf region - the same drones it has supplied to Russia for its aggression in Ukraine.

The minister emphasized that Iran has repeatedly violated its international commitments and posed a threat to global peace and security. For decades, it has supported, armed, financed, and trained terrorist groups, including Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis. The Iranian regime has openly maintained its unlawful nuclear program despite repeated diplomatic efforts by the EU, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Iran has been extensively involved in circumventing sanctions. It has also threatened EU countries in connection with moves to list the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist organization.

The Foreign Ministry indicated that Latvia has repeatedly condemned the actions of the Iranian regime, including its failure to cooperate with the international community and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) regarding its unlawful nuclear program.

Latvia has joined the EU's joint statement on the situation in the Middle East. Latvia is carefully monitoring the unfolding events in the countries in the Middle East and the Gulf region and maintains regular contact with its embassies, EU member states, and other countries. Since February 28, Braze has spoken by telephone with the foreign ministers of Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Azerbaijan, and Armenia.

This situation in the region was created after Israel and the US launched airstrikes against Iran on February 28. Iran counter-attacked Israel and several Middle Eastern countries hosting US military bases or forces - the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, Iraq, Jordan and Saudi Arabia, as well as Cyprus, prompting several countries to close their airspace. On March 4, a partial, but not full, opening of airspace began.