Luxembourg’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Xavier Bettel, has urged for calm and warned against a “chain reaction of revenge” following Iran’s missile strikes on Israel.
In an interview with our colleagues from RTL.lu on Wednesday morning, Bettel described the situation as “very dangerous”, highlighting the risk of further escalation. Bettel suggested that the Iranian attack demonstrates Tehran’s support for “terrorist organisations” and expressed doubt that Iran’s new president, Masoud Pezeshkian, would bring about policy changes.
Bettel urged all parties to seek de-escalation through diplomacy, stating: “We need de-escalation, we need diplomacy, and not a chain reaction of revenge.”
Minister Bettel also highlighted the danger of collateral damage, warning that it is always the civilian population that suffers most, whether as a result of missile strikes or ground invasions.
On Tuesday evening, Iran launched over 180 ballistic missiles at Israel, citing retaliation for Israeli attacks on Gaza and Lebanon, as well as the targeted assassinations of Hamas and Hezbollah leaders. Tehran indicated the strikes would cease unless Israel retaliated, in which case Iran promised a swift and large-scale response. This warning came from Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, in a statement issued Tuesday night.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has since vowed to respond, stating that Israel, in coordination with the United States, is preparing a plan. The White House has confirmed these discussions.
No casualties have been reported in Israel, as its missile defence system, the Iron Dome, intercepted many of the incoming missiles.
The United Nations Security Council is scheduled to hold an emergency meeting on Thursday. Several Western nations have condemned Iran’s actions, with EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Josep Borrell warning of a “vicious cycle of attack and revenge that must be broken”.
