Helsinki, March 1, 2026 – The Europe Today: Alexander Stubb has warned that the risk of escalation in the Middle East is high following coordinated strikes on Iran by the United States and Israel.
Speaking to Yle’s Ykkösaamu programme hours after the attacks began, President Stubb described the situation as serious and said the coming hours would be decisive. “The risk of escalation is highly possible,” he said. “We hope the situation calms down, but right now it looks like it is escalating.”
Multiple Targets Reportedly Hit
According to information received from Finland’s embassy, around 30 targets in Iran were struck during the first phase of the operation.
The United States and Israel confirmed attacks on multiple sites. US President Donald Trump described the campaign as a broad combat operation aimed at eliminating threats to American security and preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. Israel characterised its action as preventive.
Concerns Over International Law and Global Order
President Stubb linked the strikes to what he described as a broader shift in global politics and a weakening of international rules and institutions. Referring to last year’s 12-day conflict in the region, he said the latest developments reflect an increasingly unstable regional environment.
“When international institutions and rules are broken, a power vacuum emerges and this type of strike becomes possible,” he said.
Stubb noted that Washington had not sought authorisation from the United Nations or broad backing from allies before launching the operation. “Usually for this type of strike, justification has been sought either through the UN or at least from allies. Now not much has been asked,” he said, adding that the United States appears to be operating largely outside traditional international law frameworks.
Nuclear Issue at the Core
Stubb emphasised that the underlying issue remains Iran’s nuclear capacity. He said assessments have indicated that Iran could be four to six months away from the ability to build a nuclear weapon.
“This is aimed at preventing Iran from building a nuclear weapon. President Trump referred to that in his statement,” Stubb said. He added that Israel perceives a potential Iranian nuclear weapon as a direct existential threat.
Limited Scope for Finnish Influence
From Finland’s perspective, Stubb acknowledged that Helsinki has limited ability to influence developments. “At this stage our possibilities to influence are very small. We are following how the overall picture develops,” he said.
Later on Saturday, after Iran carried out retaliatory strikes against Israel and other states in the region, Stubb issued a statement on social media condemning actions that escalate the conflict and urging restraint. He stressed that nuclear safety and long-term regional security remain paramount.
“We continue to support all diplomatic efforts aimed at ending Iran’s nuclear programme and strengthening security in the region,” he wrote, adding that Iran’s leadership must engage in negotiations in good faith and end actions that destabilise the region.
