The recent actions taken by the United States in Iran were a response to growing concerns that the country’s nuclear program could lead to the development of weapons posing a serious threat to global security, Polish President Andrzej Duda assessed on Monday. “It was a very firm step on the part of the U.S., but we assume it was necessary,” he stated.
Duda also expressed hope that the escalation would push the involved parties to return to the negotiating table.
The presidents of Poland and Montenegro held a joint press conference in Podgorica, where they were asked to comment on the latest developments in the Middle East.
Between Saturday night and Sunday morning, the U.S. launched strikes against three Iranian uranium enrichment facilities located in Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan. By doing so, Washington joined Israel’s military campaign—ongoing since June 13—aimed at dismantling Iran’s nuclear program. In retaliation, the Iranian parliament voted to shut down the Strait of Hormuz, the world’s most critical oil shipping lane, through which one-fifth of global crude supplies pass. The final decision will be made by Iran’s Supreme National Security Council.
“If the United States has intervened in Iran’s nuclear development in such a decisive manner, it clearly confirms the fears voiced by many—that Iran indeed intends to acquire nuclear weapons in the near future, which would pose a danger not only to the Middle East, but to the entire world,” said President Duda.
He emphasized that the threat had been raised not only by the U.S. and Israel, but also by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), which reported that Iran was conducting research and operations beyond agreed frameworks. “Unfortunately, the U.S. response was extremely firm. But we assume it was simply necessary and truly indispensable, especially when it comes to the Fordow facility,” Duda added.
He expressed hope that “this strong and decisive action will also encourage all parties to return to the negotiating table, de-escalate the situation, and bring the conflict to an end. Therefore, peace talks are absolutely essential,” he said.
“We would like this conflict to end. We absolutely cannot imagine any further escalation. I hope it will be resolved soon,” Duda concluded. He noted that the Middle East crisis would likely be discussed at the NATO Summit in The Hague, beginning on Tuesday.
The Polish president also remarked that the European Union is responding appropriately to the U.S. actions.
Montenegro’s President Jakov Milatović likewise expressed hope that the conflict would be resolved through negotiations. He stressed that Montenegro’s foreign policy—both regarding the Middle East and Ukraine—is fully aligned with that of the European Union.