In an exclusive interview with DRW News, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen addressed the intensifying conflict in the Middle East, focusing on Iran and the involvement of international military forces, including the United States, Israel, and NATO.
Von der Leyen warned of the increasing dangers faced by civilians as military operations expand beyond conventional battle zones. She highlighted that even defensive actions, such as intercepting drones, can inadvertently place ordinary citizens at risk. “Iran: ‘NATO troops were called to shoot down a drone; our citizens are caught in the crossfire,’” she said, drawing attention to the unintended consequences for those living in affected areas.
The Commission president also discussed NATO’s growing role in the conflict, noting that the international involvement illustrates how the regional crisis is becoming a wider security and diplomatic challenge. She emphasized that decision-makers must carefully balance military objectives with the protection of civilians, stressing that the human impact of these operations cannot be ignored.
Von der Leyen urged restraint and coordinated measures to minimize civilian harm, cautioning that unchecked escalation could have severe humanitarian consequences. She acknowledged that international concern is mounting, with human rights organizations closely monitoring the effects of ongoing strikes and military interventions on the Iranian population.
The discussion also touched on the complexity of modern warfare in the region, where drone attacks, missile strikes, and defensive operations raise difficult questions about accountability and civilian safety. Von der Leyen’s comments underscored the importance of weighing strategic military goals against ethical responsibilities toward non-combatants in a highly volatile conflict environment……See More
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