Belgium Cites ‘Principle of Reality’ in Avoiding Condemnation of U.S., Israel Strikes on Iran
Brussels is aligning itself with other European nations navigating a delicate balance between upholding international law and refraining from explicitly condemning military actions taken by the United States and Israel against Iran, despite those actions not adhering to international legal standards. The ongoing conflict and differing European responses highlight the complex geopolitical landscape of the Middle East. Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot acknowledged this dichotomy in an interview with Belgian broadcaster Rtbf, invoking a “principle of reality” when assessing the situation in Iran – a nation he reminded listeners “does not respect the rights and freedoms of its own citizens.”
“Of course, there is the reality of principles. But we must also confront it with a principle of reality,” Prévot stated, adding that years of diplomatic efforts with Tehran “have not yielded the expected results.”
“Belgium has long been an unconditional defender of international law and intends to remain so. It must be acknowledged that the way the action was carried out does not meet its standards,” the also-Vice Prime Minister conceded. When pressed on whether Belgium condemns the U.S. And Israeli strike that triggered the new crisis in the Middle East, Prévot appealed to the “vocation” of international law to justify the absence of explicit criticism: “It is, above all, about being able to protect peoples, their rights and freedoms.”
“it cannot be said that Iran is a model to follow, not in the least,” he indicated, pointing to the recent repression by the “regime of terror” in Tehran of social protests that resulted in “tens of thousands of deaths.”
The argument echoes similar statements made Sunday by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who recognized that, “despite doubts, he shares many objectives” of the strike and that “appeals from Europe, and also from Germany, the condemnations of Iranian violations of the law and even broad packages of sanctions have been insufficient for years and decades.”
A joint statement released Sunday by the 27 European Union member states, following a virtual meeting of European foreign ministers, collectively called for “maximum restraint, the protection of civilians and full respect for international law, including the principles of the Charter of the United Nations and international humanitarian law,” but without directly addressing Washington or Tel Aviv. The development underscores growing regional tensions and the challenges of forging a unified European response to escalating conflicts.
