Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković said on Tuesday he would refrain from commenting on threats by Donald Trump against Iran, while warning that the situation in the Middle East represents a serious crisis with potential global economic consequences.
Speaking after a meeting of the ruling HDZ party leadership, Plenković said the government had discussed the impact of the conflict on energy markets and supply chains.
“Our goal is to ensure security of energy supply and to do everything possible to keep fuel prices affordable for businesses and citizens,” he said, adding that the crisis was already causing major disruptions on markets.
Asked about Trump’s warning that “a whole civilisation could die tonight,” Plenković suggested the rhetoric could be part of a broader negotiating strategy.
“It may be what is called leveraging — using military and economic power to strengthen a negotiating position, particularly regarding Iran and the Strait of Hormuz,” he said.
However, he added that there was uncertainty about developments in the coming hours.
“We do not have information about what will happen at 2 a.m. Croatian time. We will see. I will refrain from further comment. But the situation is serious,” he said.
The prime minister also said the government had taken measures to mitigate rising energy costs, including extending price controls on fuel and gas.
Separately, Plenković welcomed the entry of the Croatian Peasant Party (HSS) into the parliamentary majority, raising the coalition’s support to 79 lawmakers, and expressed satisfaction with his party’s polling at around 30 percent.
He accused the opposition of blocking the appointment of new Constitutional Court judges, saying it had no interest in completing the process.
Croatia’s parliament is due to resume on Wednesday with a question session in which lawmakers will put questions to the prime minister and ministers amid heightened political tensions and a deteriorating global security environment.