Former president Traian Băsescu told Digi24 that the decision of the United States to attack Iran should have been closely coordinated with the main European partners in NATO. In his opinion, US President Donald Trump's decision not to inform France, Great Britain and Germany in advance represented a strategic error within the Alliance.
Traian Băsescu criticizes Trump's decision not to consult the allies before the attack. PHOTO Mediafax
“I think President Trump, out of arrogance, made a big mistake. He didn't also inform the NATO allies, especially the big three – France, United Kingdom and Germany. He did not brief them or ask them to get involved in neutralizing Iran. But they had the initiative to say they were ready to engage defensively. Well, defensive means doing exactly what Israel and the United States are doing now. The two do this. Strike nuclear facilities in Iran's facilities, launch pads and weapons depots on Iranian soil. This is defensive action. They basically neutralize the weapons that countries can be hit with“, the former president told the quoted source.
Băsescu appreciated that the offer of the three European states remains valid, but it remains to be seen whether it will be accepted by the Trump administration and the Israeli government.
The role of European allies in the context of the operation
The former head of state argued that within NATO, solidarity and coordination are essential, and the willingness of France, Great Britain and Germany to participate in such an operation is a natural reaction.
Traian Băsescu added that any additional contribution from the allies could support the achievement of the military objectives set by Washington.
The former president of Romania concluded that the United States should consider involving these three European states, given the size and complexity of the ongoing operations.
On Monday evening, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said that Europe “fully supports” US action in Iran. However, he categorically ruled out the involvement of NATO forces in the operation in Iran.
