FI
Says Austria's neutrality is non-negotiable and must be consistently upheld
Austria's vice chancellor stressed Saturday that the country would not be drawn into President Donald Trump's "chaotic policy," saying Vienna's neutrality is "non-negotiable," a principle that also applies to US military overflights.
"In light of the overflights by US military aircraft through Austrian airspace, a clear line is needed: Our neutrality is non-negotiable and must be consistently upheld, especially now," Andreas Babler wrote on social media platform X.
Angesichts der Überflüge von US-Militärflugzeugen durch österreichischen Luftraum braucht es eine klare Linie: Unsere Neutralität ist nicht verhandelbar und muss gerade jetzt konsequent eingehalten werden. 1/2
He added that with such overflights, even missions not directly entering conflict zones but supporting military actions must face scrutiny.
"We are not part of Trump's chaotic policy and must not yield an inch here," he stressed.
Read More: Trump weighs broader cabinet shake-up as Iran war pressure grows
Austria has maintained a longstanding neutrality policy since 1955, which prohibits joining military alliances or allowing foreign bases on its territory.
The remarks came in the second month of the US-Israeli war on Iran, which since Feb. 28 has killed more than 1,340 people, including then-Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Iran has responded with drone and missile strikes targeting Israel, Jordan, Iraq, and Gulf states hosting US forces.
While Trump has called on the US’s NATO allies in Europe to contribute naval forces to secure the Strait of Hormuz, several key members have resisted involvement, highlighting strategic differences and debate over the purpose of the alliance. The allies also point out that Trump started the war without consulting the NATO allies.
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