PM Jetten warns Dutch military losses possible in Iran war; Said EU needs to unite

Prime Minister Rob Jetten has warned that Dutch troops could be affected by the conflict with Iran, although he stressed the likelihood remains very small. Speaking at his weekly briefing, the D66 leader said the risk cannot be completely ruled out given the rapidly escalating violence. His comments referred to a potential Dutch frigate deployment in the Mediterranean Sea, a request made by France that the Dutch Cabinet is expected to decide on Monday.

If the government agrees, the Dutch frigate will help protect a French aircraft carrier by shooting down Iranian missiles and drones if required. The HNLMS Evertsen has already begun sailing toward the region ahead of the Cabinet’s decision.

“The Dutch frigate is well capable of intercepting projectiles from the air,” Rob Jetten. Still, the Cabinet is considering whether “we can sufficiently guarantee the safety of Dutch military personnel before proceeding with a deployment.”

Asked about it, Jetten acknowledged that the Cabinet intends to send the frigate, but said that for safety reasons it first wants to “go through all the necessary steps.” According to Jetten, a decision will be made after the weekend.

An Iranian-linked drone attack earlier this week hit a British military base in Cyprus, prompting a rapid military response from regional allies. Greece deployed two frigates and two fighter jets to the island, while Turkey was also reportedly targeted. Several countries are now moving to strengthen security in the eastern Mediterranean Sea amid fears the conflict could spread.

“Turkey and Cyprus are precisely the reason why we want to have ships there,” said Jetten. He said contributing to the region’s security reflects “the European idea.”

Jetten added that the past week has highlighted the limited influence of the European Union internationally, pointing to divisions among EU countries over the conflict with Iran. He argued that if Europe wants to act as a serious global power, it must strengthen cooperation and coordination on foreign and security policy.

Pedro Sánchez, the prime minister of Spain, has voiced criticism of the U.S. strike, whereas Friedrich Merz, the chancellor of Germany, told reporters at the White House that there is agreement on the need to get rid of Iran’s regime.

“In the rapidly changing geopolitical world order, it is a shortcoming that the European Union takes so long to reach a common position,” said Jetten. After his introductory visit with EU leaders last week, he concluded: “It is a struggle that is widely felt in Brussels.”