site.btaRomania Faces No Direct Threat from Iran, Foreign Minister Says

Romania faces no direct threats from Iran, Foreign Minister Oana Toiu said, as quoted by Digi24, adding that Romanians can feel safe.

Her comments came in response to a statement by Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghai, who said that Iran would respond politically and legally if the United States uses bases on Romanian territory for military operations.

The spokesman of the Iranian Foreign Ministry explicitly referred to political and legal consequences, which means further discussion within the framework of the United Nations. He did not refer to retaliatory measures from a military standpoint, Oana Toiu explained.

She added that Romania’s Ambassador to Iran had been repatriated following the escalation of the conflict, but diplomatic staff remain in Iran who can assist Romanian citizens there.

On Tuesday, Romania’s Defence Minister Radu Miruta commented that the country has defensive capabilities against a potential ballistic offensive from Iran.

On March 11, the Romanian parliament approved a request by the United States to temporarily deploy military forces and equipment in the country due to the war in Iran. At the time, President Nicusor Dan emphasized that the equipment is strictly defensive and would be deployed on the basis of the strategic partnership. Romanians should not be worried as the country is safer thanks to the increased U.S. military presence, the head of State said.

If Romania makes its bases available to the United States, this would be tantamount to participation in military aggression against Iran, Esmail Baghaei noted, however.