Brussels has declared it will not provide military support to the US or Israel in their ongoing attacks on Iran, according to local Belgian media.
Belgian Defense Minister Theo Francken asserted the decision to lawmakers during a meeting of the parliament’s defense committee, which convened to discuss the escalating conflict in the Middle East.
He also clarified earlier remarks that Brussels was preparing to provide military support in the region, prompting legislators to ask whether a formal request for assistance had been made.
“Not yet. But will we get it? Possibly,” he said.
Defensive Approach
Francken said Belgium could deliver support if countries such as Jordan or the UAE request assistance, provided the action aligns with international law and is strictly for defensive situations.
As an EU constituent, Belgium would also have an obligation to assist Cyprus, a union member closest to Iran, if needed.
“It’s not to start a war … or to participate with Israel and the United States. It’s more to help people and countries in the Middle East,” Francken told Euronews.
Contrary to Law, Yet Justified
Francken also drew a clear distinction between those potential defensive commitments and the current US-Israeli campaign against Iran, which he said runs “against international law,” adding that participation in those operations is therefore not under consideration.
At the same time, he said the actions could be viewed as “justified for global security.”
“It’s a righteous cause to try to decapitate the Ayatollah regime, that’s something totally rightful,” Francken emphasized.
“I cannot support [this] regime. Not for a second. It is the cruellest regime in the world. They’re supporting Hamas, they’re supporting and financing Hezbollah and Houthis and all those terrorist actors in the Middle East, but also in Europe, also here in Brussels, also in Belgium.”
