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full screen Foreign Minister Tobias Billström calls on all parties to avoid further escalation of the situation. Photo: Claudio Bresciani/TT
Last night Iran was attacked by Israeli drones, according to Israeli and American media. Sources describe it as a small-scale attack targeting the Isfahan nuclear technology center.
– The information is very serious and worrying. It is important to avoid an escalation, says Foreign Minister Tobias Billström.
From the Iranian side, the attacks have been played down and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) confirms that the nuclear energy program was not affected.
– It is difficult for me to interpret Iran’s reactions. The reports we get are that it is calm in Tehran at the moment, says Billström.
Iran’s massive drone attack against Israel last weekend, in which almost all drones were shot down by Israel and its allies, was condemned by Sweden’s government and Tobias Billström.
“Not about condemning”
Do you condemn Israel’s attack?
– At the moment, it is not about condemning. The central issue is to avoid further escalation. I spoke on Tuesday with Israel’s foreign minister about this. Both Sweden and the EU stand up for Israel’s security, but neither party can want further escalation now, says Billström.
On Monday, Billström will meet the other foreign ministers from the EU countries in Luxembourg.
– Then foreign ministers from the Gulf states will also participate. Sweden is keen that all parties in the region de-escalate the situation.
Draws attention away from Gaza
The foreign minister says that he also told the Israeli foreign minister on Tuesday how important it is to avoid an escalation with Iran in order to also improve the situation in Gaza.
– This draws attention away from the war between Israel and Hamas and the major problem that exists with the civilian suffering in Gaza, the need for humanitarian aid and lasting peace, he says.