BRUSSELS

The recent US and Israeli strikes on Iran, along with Iran's retaliatory attacks, fall outside the scope of international law, Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten said Friday.

Speaking at a press briefing in The Hague, Jetten emphasized that while the actions breach international legal norms, he understands the rationale behind the strikes targeting Iran's nuclear and missile programs, broadcaster NOS reported.

"You see that Iran has also been flouting international law for many years," he said, adding that "international law has failed to protect the Iranian population."

Despite expressing this understanding, the Netherlands does not support the US and Israeli attacks.

Jetten noted that the strikes were conducted without prior consultation or requests for approval from other nations, including Dutch authorities, and he does not expect such approval to be sought retrospectively.

The prime minister refrained from judging whether the strikes were the right course of action, saying: "That question isn't relevant now, because we're still in the midst of the escalation."

He added that the Dutch government’s focus remains on safeguarding Dutch and European interests during the ongoing tensions.

In this context, the Netherlands may deploy a naval vessel to the region.

The government is considering sending the air-defense and command frigate Zr. Ms. Evertsen, with final decisions expected after further consultations this weekend.

Jetten stated that the intention is likely to approve the deployment, with details such as the mission's scope and military instructions to be finalized in the coming days.

France has pledged to use its aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle to protect European nations near Iran from potential missile or drone attacks, Jetten said. The Evertsen, capable of intercepting projectiles in flight, will participate alongside the French vessel.

Tensions in the Middle East have escalated since the United States and Israel launched a large-scale attack on Iran on Feb. 28, killing more than 1,000 people, including Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, over 150 schoolgirls, and senior military officials.

Iran has retaliated with sweeping barrages of its own that have targeted US bases, diplomatic facilities, and military personnel across the region, as well as multiple Israeli cities. The attacks have continued to escalate.