Latvia strongly condemns Iran's unprovoked attacks on countries in the Middle East region - Braze

RIGA - Latvia strongly condemns Iran's unprovoked attacks against countries in the Middle East region, Foreign Minister Baiba Braze (New Unity) stressed at this evening's emergency meeting of the EU Foreign Affairs Council on the situation in the Middle East.

At an emergency EU Foreign Affairs Council on developments in Iran and the Middle East region on Sunday, convened by EU High Representative Kaja Kallas, Foreign Minister Braze stressed that Iran has a long and determined history of destabilizing the Middle East region and globally, including by directly supporting Russia's war in Ukraine. Iran has handed over more than 50,000 Shahed drones to Russia, the same drones it now uses to attack countries in the Middle East region. Weapons and technology developed by Iran have helped to kill thousands of innocent Ukrainians. Just like Russia in Ukraine, Iran is now carrying out terrorist attacks against innocent civilians in the Gulf States.

Iran has systematically violated its international obligations and threatened international peace and security, the Foreign Minister said. Iran has supported, armed, financed and trained terrorist groups such as Hamas, Hezbollah and the Houthis for decades. The Iranian regime has openly maintained its illicit nuclear program despite repeated diplomatic efforts from the EU, the UK and the US. Iran has engaged in extensive sanctions evasion.

The Minister said that Latvia stands in full solidarity with the Iranian people and strongly condemns Iran's unprovoked attacks against countries in the Middle East region - Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria and the United Arab Emirates. Attacks against these countries pose a threat to regional and international peace and security.

Braze stresses that the priority now is to ensure the protection of civilians and prevent further escalation of the situation. Stability in the region is essential for global security. Iran must stop its illicit nuclear program and respect its international obligations, which will allow it to return to the negotiating table.

Braze reminded that Latvia had repeatedly condemned the actions of the Iranian regime, including its lack of cooperation with the international community and the UN International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) over its illicit nuclear program. Latvia will continue to closely follow developments in the Middle East in close coordination with embassies, the EU and other countries, Braze said.