Melike Pala
16 March 2026•Update: 17 March 2026
BRUSSELS
Belgium will not take part in any attack alongside the US and Israel against Iran, Prime Minister Bart De Wever reaffirmed on Monday, in response to parliamentary questions regarding a possible operation in the Strait of Hormuz.
Asked about Belgium's stance amid rising regional tensions, De Wever stressed that the government's position is clear: Belgium will not join an offensive against Iran alongside Washington and Tel Aviv, Belga news agency reported.
He said that any future military requests, whether from NATO or individual states, including recent overtures from Saudi Arabia and the UAE, would be subject to government deliberation and approval.
In the same session, De Wever addressed the controversy triggered by remarks he made last weekend regarding relations with Russia.
The prime minister had said that Europe should "rearm and remilitarize its borders" while also seeking to "normalize relations with Russia and regain access to cheap energy."
His comments prompted criticism both domestically and abroad, with opposition parties and international observers accusing him of being overly conciliatory toward Moscow.
De Wever rejected those interpretations as unfounded, saying critics were portraying his position as "cozying up to Putin" or "groveling at his feet," which he said was not the case.
He clarified that negotiations with Russian President Vladimir Putin are necessary and already underway, but emphasized that any normalization of relations with Russia should only occur after a peace agreement acceptable to both Ukraine and the European Union has been reached.
"That is the aim after every war. Surely it cannot be the intention to remain enemies for eternity?" De Wever said.
He added that such an agreement must not be a "naive peace," and that it should be accompanied by European rearmament and a strengthened eastern flank.
De Wever reiterated that negotiating with Russia does not mean "surrendering or abandoning Ukraine."
