Finnish Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen has asserted that NATO is not involved in the ongoing conflict in Iran, stating that it is a defense alliance that does not initiate wars. During a press conference in Brussels, Valtonen emphasized that NATO's main focus should be on ensuring security in the North Atlantic area, highlighting Finland's priority in supporting NATO's overall security and managing the situation in the Baltic Sea region. Though noting NATO's non-involvement, she mentioned that Finland, in collaboration with its partners and allies, is considering possible security measures that could be implemented in the Persian Gulf.

In her comments, Valtonen also pointed to the implications of the war in Iran for other regions, specifically mentioning how the air combat in the Middle East has escalated oil prices, positively impacting Russia's economy and its military capabilities. This reflects a broader concern among Finnish officials regarding geopolitical stability and the indirect consequences that conflicts in the Middle East can have on European security. Valtonen's remarks come as European Union foreign ministers convene in Brussels to discuss various international issues, with the situation in Iran on the agenda.

The discussion surrounding NATO's role and the potential security measures in the Persian Gulf underscores the complexities of international military alliances and the delicate balance of interests that countries must navigate. Valtonen's statement reaffirms Finland's commitment to NATO's defense framework while also positioning the country as an active participant in discussions about global security dynamics, particularly in light of the unpredictable nature of ongoing conflicts such as that in Iran.