As tensions rise in the Middle East, the Trinidad and Tobago government says it supports continued actions by the U.S. against “oppressive regimes.”

On Saturday morning, both the U.S. and Israel confirmed they launched strikes at Iran.

International media outlets have reported that over 200 people were killed, including Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

In a video posted to social media, U.S. President Donald Trump said his government’s objective was “eliminating imminent threats from the Iranian regime – a vicious group of very hard, terrible people.”

Iran later retaliated with strikes against Israel, as well as at U.S. military facilities in the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait and Bahrain, among others. 

T&T’s Ministry of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs initially issued a press release expressing support for the U.S. but quickly deleted it from social media. A new version has since been posted – with a few changes – but the government’s stance remained the same.

“The ministry wishes to express its support for the continued actions of the U.S. aimed at preventing oppressive regimes from acquiring nuclear weapons capabilities that would jeopardise international peace and security. The proliferation of such weapons is a grave threat to the global community,” it said.

However, the ministry added that it “stands in solidarity” with countries where U.S. military bases were attacked, “and condemns in the strongest possible terms any acts of aggression that threaten their sovereignty, security and stability.”

Mention of support of America’s allies in the initial press release was omitted. 

The new release also included a line expressing sympathy for all lives lost. 

It added that the safety of T&T nationals in affected countries is “paramount,” and urged them to “shelter in place.”

If you are a T&T national in any of the affected countries, register with the ministry’s system for nationals abroad at register.foreign.gov.tt or send an e-mail to consular@foreign.gov.tt.