“Both the attacks on Iran last week and the unacceptable retaliation from Iran on countries in the region fall outside the framework of international law,” Rob Jetten said.
Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten on Friday said the U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran were not in line with international law, while acknowledging the threat Tehran poses to regional security.
“Both the attacks on Iran last week and the unacceptable retaliation from Iran on countries in the region fall outside the framework of international law,” Jetten told reporters at his weekly press briefing in The Hague.
He added that the Dutch government has an “understanding” for the initial strikes against Iran, given Tehran’s long-standing threat to its own population and to regional stability. But Jetten stressed that the international community must continue to defend international law and pursue diplomatic solutions “however difficult that may be.”
The Dutch leader also questioned what the ultimate objective of the U.S.-Israeli military campaign is.
“The main question remains: when will the attacks be considered successful?” Jetten said, adding that, before being able to pass judgment on whether or not his government is supportive of the methods chosen by the U.S. and Israel in Iran, they will need to “understand what the intentions and goals are with these attacks.”
After days of mixed signals from the White House on the justifications and aims of the war on Iran, Trump on Friday said his administration’s ultimate goal is “unconditional surrender” by the Islamic Republic’s leaders.
Jetten earlier this week said the U.S.-Israeli attacks on Iran were “somewhat at odds” with international law, suggesting he is moving closer to a camp of other European leaders — including Spain and France — who are questioning the war’s legality.
Jetten also said that France has asked the Netherlands to provide support to its aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle in the Mediterranean for defensive operations. The Dutch government will consider the request over the weekend.