Belgrade, Serbia – March 1, 2026 – Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic warned on Saturday that the ongoing military confrontation involving the United States, Israel, and Iran had been “long prepared” and would not conclude swiftly, urging his country to prioritize peace while bolstering national defense capabilities amid fears of broader global repercussions.
In an interview with Informer TV, Vucic described the conflict as neither the start of World War III nor a short-term operation. “I do not believe World War III has begun, but I also do not think this will end in one day,” he stated. He asserted that the strikes and subsequent Iranian retaliation reflect months—if not years—of strategic positioning, with significant military forces already deployed to the Persian Gulf prior to the attacks.
Vucic suggested the core objective of the US-Israeli campaign appears to be political change in Tehran rather than limited tactical goals. “This struggle will likely center on political change in Tehran and will have far-reaching global consequences,” he said. He emphasized that Serbia must safeguard its freedom and independence while avoiding entanglement in distant wars. “We must preserve peace while strengthening our defense and maintaining dialogue with the US,” Vucic added.
The president announced that Serbia would soon present details on the acquisition of advanced air defense systems, describing the move as essential to protect national sovereignty amid heightened global instability. “We must ensure that our citizens are not drawn into wars,” he stressed, reaffirming Serbia’s policy of military neutrality while deepening defense cooperation with multiple partners.
The comments came as governments across the Western Balkans issued varied responses to the escalation that began early Saturday with Israeli strikes—codenamed “Lion’s Roar”—and subsequent US participation in “Operation Epic Fury.” The attacks targeted Iranian military infrastructure, missile production sites, and reportedly senior leadership figures, prompting Iranian missile and drone retaliation against Israeli territory and US bases in the Gulf.
Regional Reactions in the Western Balkans
Slovenia – Foreign and European Affairs Minister Tanja Fajon called for immediate de-escalation and full respect for international law. “Diplomacy remains the only path to stability,” she stated, urging all parties to return to the negotiating table.
Croatia – Foreign Minister Gordan Grlic Radman acknowledged that the US-Israeli strikes were not aimed at civilians but warned of wider political and humanitarian repercussions. He confirmed that Croatian diplomatic missions in the region are on high alert and ready to assist citizens if needed.
Serbia – Foreign Minister Marko Duric reiterated existing travel advisories strongly discouraging travel to Iran and advised Serbian nationals currently in the Middle East to closely follow embassy guidance and prepare for possible evacuation.
Kosovo – President Vjosa Osmani expressed strong support for the US and Israel on X, writing: “The hour of freedom has come for the people of Iran.” She thanked President Donald Trump and affirmed that “the Republic of Kosovo unwaveringly stands with the United States and its allies in defending freedom, peace, security, and stability,” while condemning alleged Iranian attacks on regional allies.
Albania – Prime Minister Edi Rama endorsed the US and Israeli actions, calling for the Iranian regime to be officially designated a terrorist organization—as already done by the United States and Canada. He declared Albania “stands firmly with Israel” and supports “every decisive effort” to prevent Tehran from acquiring nuclear or other destabilizing military capabilities.
North Macedonia – Foreign Minister Timco Mucunski stated that Skopje stands with its American allies, emphasizing that while diplomacy should remain the preferred option, credible deterrence is necessary to counter ongoing threats from Iran.
The Western Balkans' responses reflect the region’s diverse geopolitical alignments: NATO members (Albania, Croatia, North Macedonia, Slovenia) generally leaned toward support for US actions or calls for restraint, while Serbia—maintaining military neutrality—prioritized non-involvement and self-protection. Kosovo’s alignment with the US is consistent with its close partnership with Washington.
Background of the Conflict
The escalation began with Israeli pre-emptive strikes early Saturday, followed by US confirmation of “major combat operations.” Targets reportedly included missile production facilities, military command centers, and senior leadership. Iran launched retaliatory missile and drone attacks on Israeli territory and US bases in Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia. Civilian casualties have been reported, including five students killed when a girls’ primary school in Minab, Hormozgan province, was reportedly struck.
The strikes occurred despite ongoing indirect nuclear negotiations mediated by Oman, with the latest round concluding in Geneva on Thursday. Omani Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi had described progress as “within our reach” after meeting US Vice President JD Vance on Friday.
This confrontation follows the June 2025 12-day Israel-Iran war, during which Israel initiated strikes and the US later bombed three Iranian nuclear facilities (Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan). Those actions were reported to have set back—but not eliminated—Iran’s nuclear capabilities, according to International Atomic Energy Agency assessments.
Global and Regional Implications
The conflict has triggered airspace closures across the Gulf, sharp increases in oil prices, and widespread travel advisories. The Russian Embassy in Tehran urged citizens to leave Iran if possible. The European Union, Switzerland, and several Asian nations called for maximum restraint and respect for international law. The UN Security Council held an emergency session, with Russia and China condemning the strikes as violations of sovereignty.
In the Western Balkans, leaders expressed concern over potential energy price shocks, refugee flows, and disruptions to global supply chains. Serbia’s emphasis on strengthening air defenses reflects broader regional anxiety about being drawn into great-power conflicts amid ongoing tensions in Europe and the Middle East.
As missile exchanges continue and the full scope of the US-Israeli operation remains unclear, Western Balkan governments are balancing solidarity with allies, calls for diplomacy, and domestic security priorities in a rapidly deteriorating international environment.
