Vienna, 05 April (H.S.):

Austria's Vice Chancellor Andreas Babler sharply criticized U.S. President Donald Trump's chaotic policy, declaring the nation will neither join military conflicts nor permit unvetted use of its airspace, reaffirming Vienna's sacrosanct neutrality.

Speaking amid the month-long U.S.-Israel-Iran war in West Asia and NATO fissures, Babler stressed on X: In light of U.S. military overflights through Austrian airspace, a clear line is needed. Our neutrality is non-negotiable and must be consistently upheld—especially now. He insisted even indirect support missions face rigorous scrutiny.

Bound by its 1955 Declaration of Neutrality—a constitutional cornerstone—Austria bars military alliances, foreign bases, and conflict participation. Babler's stance echoes refusals by Spain, Italy, Switzerland, and France, spotlighting NATO strains after Trump's paper tiger jabs over Hormuz inaction.

The comments land as the February 28 war claims over 1,340 lives—including Iran's Ali Khamenei—with Tehran striking Israel, Jordan, Iraq, and U.S.-hosting Gulf states. Trump urged NATO naval aid for the Strait, but allies balked, citing unilateral U.S. escalation.

Babler's line signals Europe's strategic divergence amid global realignments.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar