As conflict escalates between Israel and Iran, Serbia maintains a delicate diplomatic balance, with President Aleksandar Vučić asserting friendly ties with both countries despite rising tensions.
The recent flare-up began on July 13, when Israel launched air strikes against Iran, aiming to thwart Tehran’s alleged nuclear weapons development. Iran responded with missile and drone attacks on Israeli territory.
While Vučić highlights Serbia’s amicable relations with both nations and calls for de-escalation in the Middle East, experts say Serbia’s actions reveal a tilt toward Israel. Mirko Dautović, an international relations analyst, told Reuters that Serbia has not condemned Israel’s strikes and has effectively aligned with Tel Aviv, a stance noticed by Middle Eastern diplomatic missions.
Economic repercussions for Serbia, including potential oil price shocks, are expected but the country remains otherwise uninvolved militarily in the conflict, Vučić said during a visit to the United Arab Emirates.
In 2024, amid the Gaza conflict, Serbia exported weapons worth €42.3 million to Israel, according to BIRN investigations. There are no records of arms exports to Iran, despite allegations by Kosovo officials that Serbia tested Iranian drones on its border — claims denied by both Belgrade and Tehran.
The Israel-Iran conflict intersects with Serbia’s sensitive Kosovo issue. Israel recognizes Kosovo’s independence, while Iran does not, underpinning Serbia’s historically closer ties with Tehran. Analysts describe Vučić’s foreign policy as opportunistic, switching alliances based on perceived benefits, while Kosovo recognition remains a politically charged topic.
Serbia’s inconsistent foreign policy mirrors its approach to the Russia-Ukraine war, where it has refrained from sanctioning Russia despite supplying arms to Ukraine. The Israel-Iran conflict has overshadowed these previous tensions, with the U.S. considering direct involvement on Israel’s side.
Serbia’s historical relations with Israel date back to the post-World War II era when Yugoslavia supported Israel’s creation but severed ties in 1967 after the Six-Day War, siding with Arab nations. Diplomatic relations were restored in 1991, and today the two countries maintain strong ties, including Israeli investments in Serbia’s real estate and technology sectors.
Serbian officials have also faced criticism at home for arms exports to Israel amid the Gaza conflict, prompting protests in cities like Novi Pazar.
Regarding Iran, Serbia has historically found a diplomatic partner in Tehran, especially due to Iran’s refusal to recognize Kosovo’s independence. In recent years, Serbia has reduced oil imports from Iran in alignment with broader European policies, but maintains trade relations.
Accusations of Iranian drone transfers to Serbia have been firmly denied by all parties.
Vučić has defended Serbia’s arms exports as pragmatic, noting the country sells to Muslim, Jewish, Christian, Orthodox, and other states alike, emphasizing economic interests over political alignment.
The complex balancing act reflects Serbia’s broader foreign policy challenges as it navigates relations with competing global powers amid ongoing regional conflicts.