Croatian president orders immediate withdrawal of soldiers from Iraq and Lebanon

(Photo: Office of the President of Croatia / Dario Andrišek)

Croatian President Zoran Milanović has strongly condemned the military intervention currently taking place in Iran, warning that unilateral use of force without international approval threatens global stability and could have serious consequences for Europe.

In a statement released on 2 March, the president stressed that any military action carried out without the mandate of the United Nations undermines international law and increases the risk of wider conflict.

“Every unilateral use of military force that violates international law and order is dangerous because it threatens peace and global security not only today but also in the future,” Milanović said.

“Military intervention without a mandate from the United Nations, which we are witnessing today in Iran, will not contribute to resolving the crisis but instead provokes further escalation and long-term instability.”

He also strongly condemned attacks on civilians, regardless of which side they come from.

“I particularly condemn military attacks on civilians, from whichever side they may come,” he added.

Concerns for Europe

Milanović warned that the apparent aim of the intervention, regime change in Iran, could have significant long-term repercussions for Europe, including Croatia.

“The evident intention of the military intervention, which is a change of government in Iran, could have serious and long-term consequences for the citizens of Europe, including the citizens of Croatia,” he said.

He pointed to past military interventions in the Middle East and Mediterranean regions, saying they had demonstrated how Europe often bears the consequences.

According to the president, the current escalation could lead to several risks for European countries, including economic shocks and security threats.

“There is reason to be concerned about the risk of economic damage in the form of rising oil and petroleum product prices, the danger of a new wave of refugee migration towards European countries, as well as the threat of terrorism and the undermining of peace and security for Europe’s citizens,” Milanović said.

Withdrawal of Croatian Soldiers

Amid the growing tensions in the region, the president confirmed he has ordered the withdrawal of Croatian troops stationed in missions in the Middle East.

“Taking into account the safety of Croatian soldiers deployed in missions in Middle Eastern countries, I have decided to withdraw seven Croatian soldiers from Iraq and one soldier from Lebanon,” he said.

Milanović added that he had instructed the Chief of the General Staff of the Croatian Armed Forces to begin the withdrawal process immediately.

Call to Protect Croatian Citizens

The president also called on the Croatian government to take all necessary steps to ensure the safety of Croatian citizens currently in areas affected by military operations.

“I call on the Government of the Republic of Croatia, within its competences, to undertake all necessary measures to protect and return Croatian citizens who have found themselves in the area of military activities,” Milanović said.

The statement comes as tensions continue to escalate across the Middle East, raising concerns internationally about the risk of a broader regional conflict and its potential global repercussions.