Romania could join war with Iran at US request
Romania could enter war with Iran at US request (photo: Getty Images)
Deployment of US military aircraft in Romania amid the war in the Middle East could make the country a co-belligerent in the conflict. This could also trigger a reaction from Iran, retired commander Sandu Valentin Mateiu said in an interview with Digi24.
Deployment of troops to be discussed at the meeting
According to him, the issue of the deployment of the US military will be discussed at a meeting of Romania's National Security Council (CSAT).
This concerns a request from an ally to deploy military capabilities in accordance with bilateral agreements between countries.
Mateiu explained that, theoretically, tanker aircraft or US combat aviation could be deployed in Romania. If such aircraft carry out combat missions against Iran directly from the territory of the country, this could mean actual participation of Romania in the war.
"At the moment when they operate directly from our territory, we become a co-belligerent party, and questions of international law arise," he noted.
At the same time, military officials stressed that any decision will have a political nature and must take into account Romania's allied obligations to the United States.
Risk of strikes from Iran
He also warned that if Romania participates in operations, Iran may consider it a potential target for strikes.
"Tehran has already stated that it may attack countries from whose territory strikes are carried out or through whose airspace aircraft attacking Iran fly," Mateiu explained.
According to him, Iran no longer has the former potential of ballistic missiles. It continues to actively use Shaheds. In addition, the risk of terrorist attacks cannot be ruled out.
Strategic partnership with the US
Despite possible risks, Mateiu emphasized the importance of Romania's strategic partnership with the United States.
"We have a strategic partner, we have always emphasized our friendship with the United States, the importance of Kogălniceanu base (NATO airbase in Romania - ed.), and yes, friend in need is friend indeed," he added.
Conflict in the Middle East
Since February 28, the US and Israel have been conducting a joint military operation against Iran called Epic Fury.
In response, Tehran is striking countries in the Middle East. Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, UAE, Jordan, Azerbaijan, and even Türkiye have come under attack.
In Türkiye, on March 4 and 9, NATO air defense forces intercepted Iranian ballistic missiles, fragments of which fell in an open area.
In addition, a strike was carried out on a British military base in Cyprus.
