After the Iranian rain of drones and missiles on Israel, a “red line” has been crossed for Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg (ÖVP). He warns of a fire that could also affect Europe.
Schallenberg said at the Foreign Ministry in Vienna on Sunday that the attack was “completely unacceptable and irresponsible” and would be condemned “in the strongest possible terms.” The situation threatened to get “completely out of hand”, the minister warned at a press conference that was convened at short notice. He called on Iran to stop all actions in this regard.
Schallenberg also meant the Islamic Republic’s allies, because if the escalation spiral continues, “everyone loses.” He warned of a “point of no return” that will not only further worsen the already tense situation in the Middle East, but also pose a threat to Europe and the world. It is therefore necessary to create more “space for diplomacy and dialogue”, because the situation is “very serious”.
A “clear answer” is needed
That is why he will try to contact representatives of Israel and Iran on Sunday evening. He did not want to rule out further measures and sanctions, but did not expect any action before Tuesday’s online meeting of EU foreign ministers. The Minister of Foreign Affairs explicitly emphasized that a “clear answer” was needed, but that everyone was aware of their responsibility. Schallenberg added, without naming names, that it had been noted which states had shown themselves helpful to Iran.
The minister also admitted that he held his breath after the Iranian attack, as it was the first time Iran carried out direct air strikes on Israel. Fortunately, almost all missiles, cruise missiles and drones were intercepted and there were no deaths and only minor damage, which is why “everyone is relieved”.
There were only a few calls from Austrians in the region on Sunday evening, but the embassies in Tel Aviv, Amman, Beirut and Tehran were on standby and the entire staff of Austria’s diplomatic missions abroad were said to be available to assist fellow countrymen on the ground. Schallenberg added that all involved would do well to look at the State Department’s homepage for information on current developments.
All Austrians must leave Iran
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs had already adjusted its travel advice for Israel on Thursday. There is still no travel warning for the country, but there is a “high security risk” (security level 4 of 6). There is a partial travel warning in place around the Gaza Strip and along the borders with Lebanon and Syria, where militias linked to Iran are causing widespread damage. The Foreign Ministry also called on all Austrians to leave Iran on Friday and reiterated this in the updated travel advice.
Source: Krone
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