Stoltenberg: NATO and coalition forces did not participate in the assassination decision

(Patria) – NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg stated that it is "imperative that Iran does not develop nuclear weapons", but at the same time refrained from supporting the US assassination of Iranian General Soleimani.

Stoltenberg emphasized that the decision was made by the United States, not by NATO or coalition forces.

EU Commissioner Ursula von der Leyen also warned Iran to continue to comply with the terms of the nuclear agreement, signaling the readiness of the European signatories to reject the agreement (and impose sanctions) if Iran does not return to its legal framework.

Stoltenberg addressed the public after NATO diplomats were informed via video conference by the US State Department and Pentagon officials about the motives for Soleimani's assassination.

Stoltenberg confirmed that NATO training in Iraq is suspended due to the events, but also emphasized that they plan to resume it as soon as possible.

Although the Iraqi parliament called for the withdrawal of US troops from Iraq, it remains unclear whether coalition forces will have the opportunity to remain in the country to continue training the Iraqi army in the context of the fight against ISIL.

In addition to calling for de-escalation and restraint, Stoltenberg stated that NATO member states are "united in condemning Iran's support for various terrorist groups.".

– At today's meeting, member states called for restraint and de-escalation. A new conflict is not in anyone's interest. Therefore, Iran must abandon further violence and provocations, emphasized the NATO Secretary General.

The superpowers advocating for the maintenance of the nuclear agreement claim that Tehran has not announced that it will raise uranium enrichment levels to an alarming 20%, nor the number of new centrifuges.

However, Iran has announced that it will reserve the right to violate any condition of the agreement, but also the will to return to its framework if sanctions are lifted, writes The Guardian.