Following France, Britain and Germany’s joint statement on Monday blaming Iran for the Sept. 14 attacks on two Saudi oil facilities, Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Abbas Mousavi on Tuesday criticized the European nations for giving in to “U.S. bullying,” Iran’s Mehr News Agency reported.
“The statement showed that the European parties have no strength or willpower to counter U.S. bullying,” Mousavi was quoted as saying.
The European countries issued their joint statement at the U.N. General Assembly gathering in New York, holding Iran responsible for the severe damage to Saudi Aramco’s Abqaiq and Khurais oil facilities, saying, “The time has come for Iran to accept a long-term negotiation framework for its nuclear program, as well as regional security issues, which include its missile programs.”
The day following the joint statement, Saudi Arabia’s Cabinet called for the world to “put a limit” to Iran’s “aggressive behavior” and “sabotage acts.” According to the Saudi Press Agency, Saudi King Salman said in the Cabinet meeting that the attack represented a “dangerous escalation.”
On Tuesday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu commented on the Iranian aggression on his YouTube channel, saying, “Britain, France and Germany have said that Iran is responsible for the recent attack on Saudi Arabia. Let me say on behalf of Israel, very simply: Iran did it. A to Z. Israel will know to defend itself against this type of aggression. And we call on all members of the international community to join [U.S.] President [Donald] Trump’s effort to increase the pressure on Iran. That’s the only way to stop Iran’s aggression.”
Iranian President Hassan Rouhani, who has denied responsibility for the attacks, is currently at the UNGA in New York with other world leaders.
