“All the diplomatic efforts to stop Iran’s nuclear weapons development have unfortunately not yielded the expected results. The repression of civil society and cruel treatment of the population could not be tolerated,” Nausėda told reporters at the Presidential Palace after a State Defence Council (VGT) meeting.
He called for a broader view of the situation, stressing international law and human rights.
“Let’s look more broadly at international law and at the rights of those brutally trampled on in Iran itself,” he added.
The president said that without preventive action, Iran could have developed a nuclear programme posing risks not only in the Middle East but also in Europe.
“If nothing had been done, we must ask what would have happened if Iran had completed its nuclear programme, acquired a nuclear weapon, and begun brandishing it both in the region and toward the European Union,” Nausėda told a press conference.
The president said Lithuania, together with Poland, was aware in advance of the US and Israeli plans to strike Iran.
“Yes, we, together with Poland and other allies, had such information. As you understand, this cannot be made public,” he said.
Nausėda said he had spoken in recent days with the leaders of Poland, Latvia, Estonia and Finland.
“The Polish president informed me that they are in constant contact with the US administration and ready to share all available information,” he said.
“All colleagues confirmed that intelligence and events do not indicate new factors requiring heightened security measures. The situation in our region remains unchanged,” Nausėda added.