Romania and the Middle East conflict
Romania is not a party to the conflict pitting Iran against the United States and Israel, Bucharest says
Ştefan Stoica, 17.03.2026, 14:00
The Romanian Foreign Ministry responded promptly to warnings issued on Monday by the Iranian side, stating that Romania is not part of the Middle East conflict and that the priority of the Romanian authorities remains the diplomatic effort toward de-escalation.
Iran had warned Romania that it could respond politically and legally after the country allowed the United States to use bases on its territory for operations against Iran. The spokesperson for the Iranian Foreign Ministry said that, if Romania places its bases at the disposal of the United States, this would be tantamount to participating in military aggression against Iran. In his view, such a move would be unacceptable under international law and would imply international responsibility for Romania.
While veteran diplomats argue that Romania does not have to account for its relations with allies, some of whom are strategic partners, such as the United States, the Foreign Ministry in Bucharest explained that the 2006 bilateral access agreement provides the USA with a guaranteed legal framework to use military bases in Romania on a continuous basis.
The Ministry recalls that, for over ten years, Romania has hosted missile defense capabilities against threats from outside the Euro-Atlantic area. The system located in southern Romania is strictly defensive in nature and is utilized solely for self-defense purposes, in accordance with the UN Charter.
On the other hand, Romanian diplomacy condemns the completely unwarranted attacks by Iran against states in the Gulf and, in this context, thanks the latter for protecting Romanian citizens present in those countries. The Foreign Ministry further stated that they call on Iran to cease these attacks, which endanger human lives and lead to the degradation of global security and the economy.
The Iranian side’s outcry follows the Romanian Parliament’s approval last week of the Supreme Defense Council (CSAT) decision regarding the temporary deployment of American defensive equipment and military forces to Romania in the context of the Middle East crisis. This occurred despite alarmist protests from the populist and ultra-nationalist opposition, which is attempting to induce fear of an involvement in war.
According to the Council’s decision, the deployment will include refueling aircraft, monitoring equipment and satellite communication equipment. These American forces and equipment, comprising approximately 400 to 500 military personnel, will be stationed at two military bases, one near the Black Sea and one in the center of the country.
In Brussels, EU Foreign Ministers, including the Romanian top diplomat, Oana Țoiu, expressed their concern regarding Iran’s escalatory actions and their effects both regionally and globally. The EU’s priority remains the safety of European citizens and the protection of civilians. To date, with EU support, 89 flights have been operated, including five evacuation flights requested by Romania and Poland. (VP)
