Polish President Andrzej Duda stated on Monday that recent United States military actions in Iran were a “very firm step” but “necessary” in response to growing concerns about Iran’s nuclear program and its potential to develop weapons. Speaking at a joint press conference with Montenegro’s President Jakov Milatović in Podgorica, Duda expressed hope that the escalation would push all involved parties back to the negotiating table.
Between Saturday night and Sunday morning, the U.S. launched strikes against three Iranian uranium enrichment facilities in Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan, joining Israel’s ongoing military campaign to dismantle Iran’s nuclear program. In retaliation, the Iranian parliament voted to shut down the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial global oil shipping lane, though the final decision rests with Iran’s Supreme National Security Council.
President Duda emphasized that the U.S. intervention “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.” He highlighted that these concerns have been raised not only by the U.S. and Israel, but also by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), which reported Iran 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 reiterated his 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.”
Duda concluded by stating his desire for the conflict to end quickly and his opposition to further escalation, noting that the Middle East crisis would likely be a topic at the upcoming NATO Summit in The Hague. He also remarked that the European Union is responding appropriately to the U.S. actions. President Milatović of Montenegro echoed Duda’s hope for a negotiated resolution, stressing Montenegro’s alignment with EU foreign policy on both the Middle East and Ukraine.