Security Measures Increased in Austria

Since the morning, the meeting of the Federal Crisis Security Cabinet has been taking place at the Federal Chancellery in Vienna. Also present was Rafael Grossi, the Director General of the Vienna-based International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), who spoke of a very difficult situation but does not give up hope for continued cooperation with Iran.

National Security Council meets in the afternoon

According to Stocker, the increased security measures apply to international, American, and Israeli institutions, as well as particularly vulnerable individuals. Iranian institutions are also under increased protection, the Chancellery added after the statement. The Chancellor also thanked US President Donald Trump for the fact that the weapons have now fallen silent again. Iran must not acquire or possess nuclear weapons. The Islamic Republic must cooperate with the IAEA again, demanded the Chancellor. The Iranian parliament had shortly before decided to suspend cooperation with the IAEA.

Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger (NEOS) also insisted on a diplomatic solution. It is clear that Iran must be urged to cooperate with the IAEA. "Now is really the time for peace and to pave the way for diplomacy," said Meinl-Reisinger. The meeting dates exist. Vice Chancellor Andreas Babler (SPÖ) agreed: "The most important thing is that the weapons fall silent now," he said. The most important thing is the attempt to find a viable agreement with Iran again.

In the afternoon, the federal government convened the National Security Council in parliament to inform the parliamentary parties about the security situation and to discuss possible conclusions. Green Party leader Werner Kogler also expected "appropriate clarification on things that are not so well known to the public" from the meeting, the content of which always remains strictly confidential. He also advocated for de-escalation, which is also the task of the European Union.

A significant aspect concerning Austria, according to Kogler, is intelligence activities by alleged Iranian diplomats, similar to those that have occurred from the Russian side. Signs are increasing "that there are unpleasant activities here," said the Green leader. Kogler therefore insisted on tightening laws in this regard.

FPÖ expressed surprise at timing of meeting

After the approximately one and a half hour meeting, the Freedom Party also spoke up, without addressing the content discussed. Defense spokesperson Volker Reifenberger expressed surprise to the APA about the timing of the meeting, which was "either too late or too early." On one hand, the Security Council should have already met when the situation escalated. Otherwise, it would have been better to meet when the situation was somewhat clearer.

Regarding the conflict itself, Reifenberger stated that his faction places "the highest value" on Austria "living up to its neutral role" and, as in the past, clearly naming violations of international law. "That is what we would now expect from the federal government," said the Freedom Party member, who is also concerned that nuclear facilities are now being attacked.

(APA/Red)

This article has been automatically translated, read the original article here.