Brussels: European governments are facing internal divisions regarding the ongoing US-Israeli military strikes against Iran, a situation that underscores growing fractures within the Western alliance. The discord arises as Washington urges its European allies to support the military campaign, yet struggles to gain unanimous backing.
According to Anadolu Agency, the European Union, prominent member states, and the United Kingdom have collectively called for adherence to international law and encouraged de-escalation. Despite these calls, they have not managed to formulate a unified strategy, leaving them increasingly marginalized as the Middle Eastern crisis intensifies, with potential global repercussions.
On Wednesday, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that US President Donald Trump expects "all of our European allies" to support the US and Israel. Trump has openly criticized the reluctance of European governments, particularly targeting British Prime Minister Keir Starmer for London's refusal to back the strikes.
The European Union has emphasized the need for restraint and diplomatic efforts to prevent further escalation in the Middle East, warning that a prolonged conflict could have severe global impacts. EU foreign ministers convened an emergency video conference to evaluate the situation in Iran and the wider region, issuing a joint statement expressing "utmost concern" and urging maximum restraint from all involved parties.
The United Kingdom has adopted a careful approach, balancing criticism of Iran with calls for diplomacy. Prime Minister Keir Starmer defended the decision not to participate in the strikes, advocating for a negotiated settlement with Iran to curb its nuclear ambitions. The UK has also bolstered its military presence in the region, deploying additional fighter jets to Qatar.
France has taken a legally focused stance, with President Emmanuel Macron warning that military actions outside international law could destabilize global order. France has allowed a temporary presence of American aircraft at certain bases, with assurances that they will support regional defense operations only.
Germany's position aligns more closely with US objectives, with Chancellor Friedrich Merz describing Iran as a significant security threat. Merz has emphasized the shared Western interest in preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, while also cautioning against the risks of a prolonged conflict.
Spain, however, has voiced strong criticism against the US-Israel military campaign. Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez described the strikes as "an extraordinary mistake" and refused to allow the use of Spanish bases for attacks on Iran, a decision criticized by Trump.
Italy has raised legal concerns, with Defense Minister Guido Crosetto stating that the US-Israeli operation was "outside the rules of international law." Italy's government has urged diplomatic efforts to prevent a broader regional conflict.
In contrast, several Eastern European countries have shown clearer political support for the US-led operation. Polish President Karol Nawrocki and Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala have framed the conflict as a security issue, emphasizing the threat posed by Iran's nuclear program to international stability.