Statement by Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide on the war in the Middle East
News story | Date: 02/03/2026 | Ministry of Foreign Affairs
‘We are now witnessing an extremely serious situation rapidly unfolding in the Middle East’, said Minister of Foreign Affairs Espen Barth Eide.
‘The hostilities have so far spread to at least 14 countries.
‘The attacks on Iran are continuing relentlessly, while Iran is launching strikes against a number of countries in the region, including countries that have not been involved in the attacks on Iran. These indiscriminate Iranian attacks in the Gulf and on Jordan are completely unacceptable.
‘We are deeply concerned about the civilian casualties and the immense suffering endured by civilians across the Middle East.
‘The many conflicts in the Middle East cannot be resolved through the use of military force.
‘I call again on all parties to respect international law, protect civilians, and to seek diplomatic solutions’, said Eide.