Lithuania leaders condemn Iran retaliation after US and Israeli attacks

lrt.lt · Mar 1, 2026 · Collected from GDELT

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After the United States and Israel carried out strikes on Iran, prompting Tehran to respond with strikes on US military bases and other targets in the Middle East, Lithuania’s leaders condemned Iran’s attacks, calling them “unprovoked” and destabilising. “Lithuania strongly condemns the unprovoked Iran’s attacks against Bahrain, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE,” Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys wrote Saturday on the social platform X. “National sovereignty and territorial integrity must be respected both in the Middle East and in Europe. We call for an immediate end to such destabilizing aggression,” he added. Lithuania strongly condemns the unprovoked Iran’s attacks against Bahrain, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. National sovereignty and territorial integrity must be respected both in the Middle East and in Europe. We call for an immediate end to such…— Kęstutis Budrys (@BudrysKestutis) February 28, 2026 In a separate statement, Lithuania’s Foreign Ministry said Iran’s “destructive behaviour” in the region, its refusal to “constructively engage in dialogue”, its nuclear ambitions, support for Russia’s war against Ukraine and domestic repression are unacceptable. The ministry urged all sides to avoid further escalation and return to diplomatic efforts, stressing that regional stability is vital to global security. Lithuania said it is coordinating closely with European Union partners and allies. Statement of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania @BudrysKestutis on the situation in Middle East: pic.twitter.com/wtAXWBL3Ew— Lithuania MFA 🇱🇹 | #StandWithUkraine (@LithuaniaMFA) February 28, 2026 Earlier Saturday, the ministry advised Lithuanian citizens not to travel to Jordan or countries in the Persian Gulf region. President Gitanas Nausėda also accused Iran rather than the US or Israel of undermining regional security and violating international law. “The actions of the Iranian regime continue to destabilise the region and contribute to broader insecurity beyond it,” Nausėda wrote on X. He added that he is closely monitoring developments and remains in contact with allies. The president also said Iran’s continued support for Russia’s war in Ukraine is “part of the same pattern of behaviour that threatens international peace and security.” I am closely monitoring developments in the Middle East and remain in contact with allies.Iran’s attacks further undermine regional security and constitute a violation of international law. The actions of the Iranian regime continue to destabilise the region and contribute to…— Gitanas Nausėda (@GitanasNauseda) February 28, 2026 The statements come after Israeli and US forces carried out strikes on Iran on Saturday, prompting retaliatory attacks by Tehran. US President Donald Trump announced that American forces had launched major combat operations in Iran, citing Tehran’s continued development of its nuclear program and missile capabilities. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the joint operation aimed to “eliminate the existential threat” posed by Iran. Meanwhile, Vilmantas Vitkauskas, head of Lithuania’s National Crisis Management Centre, said at a news conference that Lithuanians in Iran are advised to evacuate, while those in Israel should seek shelter and avoid travel within the country. According to Lithuanian authorities, 17 Lithuanian citizens are currently in Iran and 219 are in Israel.