Carney talks de-escalation with Trump, as Belgian PM offers no sympathy for Iran
Following the weekend airstrikes by the United States on Iran’s nuclear facilities, there was little sympathy for Iran and reluctant backing for regime change among some European leaders. Newly minted conservative Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever described Iran as an “evil regime” and a sponsor of terrorism throughout the Middle East and Europe. He made these remarks to Canadian journalists after attending a Second World War commemoration event at the Antwerp Schoonselhof Military Cemetery, where wreaths were laid to honor the fallen soldiers.
Prime Minister Mark Carney, in a social media post, mentioned that he had spoken with U.S. President Donald Trump about de-escalating the conflict in the Middle East and discussed the weekend’s events and the upcoming NATO Summit. De Wever, on the other hand, spoke about a foiled Iranian-sponsored terrorism plot that had been thwarted on Belgian soil, leading to retaliation from the regime in Tehran. He emphasized that Iran is a significant sponsor of terrorism, pointing out the role it plays in supporting groups like Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis.
Trump, in a post on his Truth Social media platform, hinted at the possibility of toppling the Iranian government but clarified that the weekend attacks were not intended to bring about regime change. De Wever, advocating for the rule of law, expressed regret that military action had become necessary to halt Iran’s nuclear program. He stressed the importance of a democratic process for any potential regime change in Iran, rather than resorting to bombing.
Benjamin Jensen, a senior fellow at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, explained that European leaders may publicly call for restraint but privately feel relieved that the extremist-led regime in Iran, which posed a threat to Europe, was prevented from developing nuclear weapons. However, he cautioned that any further escalation, such as targeting leaders or a broader rollback of Iranian military capabilities, could have serious repercussions in Europe.
While Russia, a key ally and weapons supplier to Iran, has responded with limited rhetoric to the airstrikes, the Kremlin drew a firm line at the idea of regime change in Tehran. Russian President Vladimir Putin’s spokesperson Dmitry Peskov described the notion of toppling the Iranian government as “unimaginable” and “unacceptable.” Despite their strategic partnership, there is no direct military support obligation between Russia and Iran.
In conclusion, the weekend airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities have sparked mixed reactions among European leaders, with some expressing support for halting Iran’s nuclear ambitions while cautioning against further escalation that could destabilize the region. The debate over regime change in Iran continues to be a contentious issue, with differing opinions on the best approach to address the challenges posed by the Iranian regime.
