Finland rules out military role in Persian Gulf

Finnish Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen said on Saturday that Finland has no intention of engaging in military activity in the Persian Gulf.



Speaking to Finnish public broadcaster Yle, Valtonen underlined that Finland would not send equipment to the region, although she said a staff officer contribution could be considered.



"Finland hopes that military action will end as soon as possible, and that violence against civilians and attacks on civilian infrastructure will stop immediately," she said.



Valtonen said the parties should return to negotiations, warning that, at worst, prolonged instability could further disrupt global trade, drive up prices, and weaken international security more broadly.



Valtonen also stressed that NATO countries would not take part in the Middle East conflict alongside the United States.