Brussels, March 3, 2026 – Belgian Defense Minister Theo Francken indicated on Tuesday that Belgium might consider participating in military operations in the Middle East, while confirming active preparations for the evacuation of Belgian citizens trapped in the region due to intensifying hostilities.
In an interview with RTL Info, Francken expressed deep concern for Belgian nationals amid the rapidly deteriorating security situation. He stated that military evacuation operations are being planned "in the coming days" and would commence "as soon as possible," aligning with earlier statements from Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot during a parliamentary briefing. Prévot had outlined contingency measures to repatriate citizens, emphasizing coordination between the foreign and defense ministries.
While the immediate priority remains civilian safety, Francken left the door open to a more active military role when directly asked about potential Belgian engagement in the ongoing conflict. "We'll see ... Maybe," he replied, a cautious but non-committal response that has drawn attention amid broader European deliberations on the crisis.
The comments reflect Belgium's delicate balancing act in a volatile geopolitical environment. As a NATO member with a history of contributing to coalition operations—such as against ISIS—Belgium has maintained a relatively restrained posture in recent Middle East escalations. However, the scale of the current conflict, involving direct U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran and widespread Iranian retaliation, has prompted renewed assessments across Europe.
The crisis intensified following large-scale U.S. and Israeli attacks launched on Saturday, February 28, 2026, targeting Iranian leadership, military infrastructure, nuclear-related sites, and ballistic missile capabilities. Reports indicate nearly 800 deaths in Iran, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and numerous senior officials from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). The operation, described by U.S. and Israeli officials as necessary to neutralize existential threats and potentially facilitate regime change, marked a dramatic shift from previous containment strategies.
Iran responded swiftly with waves of drone and missile strikes aimed at Israel and U.S. assets in Gulf countries, including bases in Bahrain, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. These retaliatory actions have disrupted regional airspace, energy infrastructure, and commercial shipping, raising fears of a wider conflagration. Hezbollah in Lebanon has also engaged, launching attacks on Israeli targets, while reports of strikes in other areas, including Cyprus, have heightened concerns about spillover effects.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has repeatedly stressed that the alliance itself is not involved in the conflict. In statements over the past days, Rutte praised the U.S.-Israeli actions for degrading Iran's nuclear and ballistic missile programs, describing them as beneficial for European security. He noted broad support among many NATO allies for the campaign, particularly the elimination of key threats like Khamenei and Iran's advanced weaponry. However, Rutte emphasized that NATO would not be dragged into direct participation, limiting any role to individual allies providing logistical or enabling support where possible. "There are absolutely no plans whatever for NATO to get dragged into this," he told German broadcaster ARD.
In a related development, the Spanish government confirmed that the United States has neither used nor intends to use Spanish military bases—such as those at Rota and Morón—for operations against Iran. Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares and Defense Minister Margarita Robles reiterated that the bases operate under Spanish sovereignty and bilateral agreements requiring compliance with international law and UN frameworks. Spain has condemned the U.S.-Israeli strikes as unilateral actions lacking broad international backing, with Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez calling for de-escalation and a return to diplomacy. The denial prompted the relocation of several U.S. aircraft, including refueling tankers, from Spanish facilities to other European locations.
Belgium's position contrasts with some European partners. France, Germany, and the United Kingdom have expressed willingness to assist in defensive measures against Iranian attacks, including potential support for destroying missile and drone launch capabilities. President Emmanuel Macron has highlighted the need to protect regional partners and maintain Europe's strategic interests. Other nations, including Italy, have reported requests from Gulf states for air defense and anti-drone assistance.
For Belgium, the focus remains on protecting its approximately 26,000 citizens who may wish to leave affected areas, though current airspace closures complicate commercial evacuations. Francken noted that the defense ministry possesses the capacity for military-led operations if ordered, but no final decision has been taken. The foreign ministry has tightened travel advisories, urging Belgians in the region to exercise extreme caution and remain indoors amid unstable conditions.
Francken has previously described the Iranian regime as "one of the most horrible in the world" and justified the initial strikes as "entirely justified" in response to Tehran's threats, including its pursuit of nuclear weapons and support for proxy groups. This stance aligns with Belgium's broader concerns over Iran's destabilizing role, though Prévot has expressed regret over the failure of diplomacy and criticized aspects of the operation for not fully meeting international law standards.
The evolving situation underscores Europe's challenges in navigating transatlantic dynamics under the Trump administration, which has pursued aggressive action against Iran without extensive prior consultation with allies. While some European leaders applaud the degradation of Iranian capabilities, others warn of risks including refugee flows, energy disruptions, and potential attacks on European interests.
As preparations for evacuations advance and discussions on military options continue, Belgium's government is monitoring developments closely. Any decision on broader engagement would require parliamentary approval and careful consideration of NATO obligations, national interests, and the imperative to avoid escalation. Further updates are anticipated as the conflict enters its sixth day, with international calls for restraint growing amid mounting casualties and regional instability.
