Netherlands understands US-Israel attacks on Iran but does not support them

Brussels – The Dutch government on Thursday stated that it “understands” attacks by the United States and Israel against Iran but does not support the action, according to public broadcaster NOS.

The position reveals differing views amongst parties during parliamentary debate. Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten said the government understands the reasoning behind the attacks but considers the action to fall outside the framework of international law.

“Both realities can coexist,” Jetten said, whilst calling for de-escalation and emphasising the need to halt Iran’s nuclear programme.

However, party leaders within the governing coalition presented different perspectives. Jan Paternotte, leader of the D66 parliamentary faction, said he understands the desire to remove Iran’s regime but believes the US-Israeli strikes lack a clear plan.

Ruben Brekelmans, a Member of Parliament from the People’s Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD), said his party “stands with the United States and Israel.”

Meanwhile, Christian Democratic Appeal leader Henri Bontenbal warned that not every military action against Iran is “prudent, sustainable, or lawful.”

Left-wing parties led by GroenLinks–PvdA leader Jesse Klaver urged the Netherlands to distance itself from the conflict whilst warning of potential escalation similar to the 2003 Iraq invasion.

Right-wing parties, including the Party for Freedom, backed the strikes. Its leader, Geert Wilders, called the attacks on Iran’s military infrastructure “heroic actions.”

Middle Eastern tensions escalated after the US and Israel launched a combined assault on Iran on 28 February, which killed approximately 1,300 people according to Tehran. Iran subsequently responded with drone and missile attacks targeting Israel, Jordan, Iraq, and Gulf states hosting US military facilities.