EU "Iran's Airstrikes on Israel Were Pre-Notified"

Remarks Regarding the Date of Prior Notice Dispute

Josep Borrell, the High Representative of the European Union (EU) for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, stated on the 16th that he was "informed a few days in advance" about Iran's airstrike on Israel that occurred on the 13th (local time).

Josep Borrell, High Representative of the European Union (EU) for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy
[Photo by Yonhap News]

In an interview with the French daily Le Monde on the same day, Borrell said, "The Iranian Foreign Minister made it clear that only military facilities were targeted after the (Israeli) attack and that it was a controlled response."

He also explained that "the possibility of missiles and drones being shot down was part of (Iran's) strategy," and that Iran's actions were more about retaliation than military operations.

Of course, regardless of Iran's intentions, he explained that "this attack on the Israeli mainland is neither justified nor does it mitigate (Iran's) responsibility."

The reason Borrell revealed Iran's prior notification is due to the dispute between the US and Iran over the truth. Iran claimed it notified surrounding countries, including the US, before the airstrike, but the US stated it had not received any such information.

Borrell does not see a high possibility of the EU imposing new sanctions on Iran. Regarding criticisms that the Gaza Strip conflict has exposed the EU's diplomatic limitations, he explained that it is "the limitation of the EU voting by unanimity."