Newsletter: US-Israeli strikes legally ‘problematic’ but ‘righteous’, Belgian Defence Minister says
Newsletter: US-Israeli Strikes Legally ‘Problematic’ but ‘Righteous’, Belgian Defence Minister Says
Washington and Israel intensified hostilities with Iran overnight, as concerns grow that the conflict may expand beyond the Middle East. This follows an incident in the Indian Ocean where a US submarine reportedly sank an Iranian warship earlier in the day. The event has raised alarms about the potential for wider regional tensions.
The US Senate rejected a proposal to limit President Donald Trump’s war authority, with the division reflecting partisan differences. A vote in the House of Representatives is anticipated tomorrow, likely to readdress the issue. Meanwhile, EU foreign ministers are set to convene virtually to coordinate their reaction to the escalating crisis, which has been hindered by internal disagreements and limited diplomatic leverage.
Belgian Minister Questions Legal Validity
Belgium’s Defence Minister Theo Francken expressed reservations about the initial US-Israeli action, though he acknowledged its moral justification. “This may pose challenges under international law, yet it can also be justified as a righteous effort to weaken the Ayatollah regime,” Francken stated in an interview with Europe Today’s Lauren Walker.
“I think that this may be problematic concerning international law, but I think it can be defended as well,” Francken told our reporter Lauren Walker.
France and Spain remain at odds over the strikes, with Madrid being the sole EU nation to publicly oppose the US-Israeli operation. Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares swiftly denied backing Washington’s campaign, just hours after White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt claimed Madrid had aligned with the US. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez capitalized on the moment to promote his “no to war movement,” invoking the 2003 US-led invasion of Iraq in a speech.
EU Trade Stance and Frozen Agreements
EU officials reiterated their commitment to safeguarding trade interests after Trump threatened to cut ties with Spain over its critical stance. European Commission Vice-President Stéphane Séjourné emphasized that any attack on a member state is inherently a threat to the EU as a whole. Trade, a key EU jurisdiction, remains stalled following a Supreme Court ruling that invalidated 2025 US tariffs. The summer’s US-EU trade deal is still frozen, pending further action from MEPs.
Energy Dispute and Pipeline Concerns
Disputes over oil flows persist between Hungary and Slovakia, as both nations contest disruptions to the Druzhba pipeline. Hungarian energy firm MOL and its Slovak affiliate Slovnaft lodged a formal complaint with the European Commission, accusing Croatian company JANAF of exploiting its dominant position. JANAF has become a crucial link for Hungary and Slovakia, which enjoy exemptions from EU sanctions on Russian oil. MOL had previously warned of legal action if JANAF didn’t secure access for unapproved Russian shipments.
JANAF asserted it would meet Hungary and Slovakia’s demands through alternative oil sources but hasn’t confirmed continued use of the Druzhba route. Meanwhile, Hungary’s Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó met in Moscow, securing promises of stable energy prices and deliveries. Two Hungarian-Ukrainian POWs were also released to the country during the talks.
Trump’s decision to target Iran, push for regime change, and alter Middle Eastern power dynamics has reignited fears of an energy crisis. Jorge Liboreiro noted that soaring gas prices have unsettled investors and governments, highlighting the instability in the region.
