Iran Warns EU of Consequences for Silence on US-Israeli Actions

Tehran has warned European Union member states they will face repercussions if they remain silent regarding what it deems a US-Israeli offensive against Iran, a violation of international law. The warning came from Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Esmail Baghaei, who spoke to Spanish public broadcaster TVE on Monday, March 4, 2026.

EU Criticism and Historical Context

Baghaei criticized certain EU members for appearing to side with the United States and Israel, contrasting this with the EU’s past role in international diplomacy. He specifically referenced the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), also known as the Iran nuclear deal, which he described as a landmark achievement of European foreign policy that was later undermined by the U.S. Administration. Azerbaijan Press Agency

Accusations and Rejections

The Iranian spokesman also refuted accusations that a missile downed in Turkish airspace originated from Iran. ФАКТИ.БГ

Increased Arms Production in Israel

Amidst escalating tensions, Israel’s Defense Ministry has instructed its major arms manufacturers – including Elbit Systems, Israel Aerospace Industries, Rafael, and Tomer – to increase production of both offensive and defensive weapon systems. This move signals preparation for prolonged hostilities and a potential expansion of the conflict. ФАКТИ.БГ Production increases include key air defense systems such as the Arrow 3 and Barak MX (Israel Aerospace Industries) and David’s Sling (Rafael). The increased production is occurring alongside existing commitments to supply foreign armed forces, reflecting a global trend of rising geopolitical tensions and an arms race.

European Military Coordination in the Eastern Mediterranean

In response to the escalating conflict, France, Italy, and Greece are coordinating the deployment of military aid to Cyprus in the Eastern Mediterranean. This initiative, spurred by French President Emmanuel Macron, aims to ensure free navigation in the Red Sea. ФАКТИ.БГ Macron announced the deployment of the Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier and the Languedoc frigate off the coast of Cyprus, along with additional air defense assets. Italy, alongside Spain and the Netherlands, will also send naval assets to the defense of Cyprus following an Iranian drone attack on the British Akrotiri military base located on the island. Athens has already dispatched two frigates and F-16 fighter jets to Cyprus.

Esmail Baghaei’s Background

Esmail Baghaei Hamaneh, born May 28, 1975, has served as the Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Iran since October 3, 2024. Wikipedia Prior to this role, he was the Permanent Representative of Iran to the United Nations Office at Geneva from 2018 to 2022. He holds degrees from the University of Tehran and Shahid Beheshti University, specializing in International Law and Diplomacy. Wikipedia