Why Europe's leaders have struggled to speak as one on Iran Europe’s leaders have faced mounting challenges in presenting a unified stance on the escalating tensions with Iran, as the region grapples with the fallout from recent US-Israeli strikes. For weeks, European officials had anticipated the possibility of military escalation, watching the US military buildup in the Middle East and the Trump administration’s threats to Tehran. Yet, as the conflict unfolded, the continent’s response has been marked by fragmentation, with individual nations prioritizing their own concerns over collective action. The immediate focus has been on the safety of European citizens in the region, with governments scrambling to assess the need for evacuations amid fears of further attacks. Beyond humanitarian concerns, European leaders are also wary of the economic repercussions, particularly the impact on energy and food prices. Gas prices in Europe have surged to levels not seen since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, raising fears of prolonged economic strain. Politically, the lack of cohesion has been stark. While France, Germany, and the UK issued a joint statement warning Iran of potential “defensive action” against its missile and drone capabilities, the subsequent actions of each nation have revealed divergent priorities. The UK has agreed to host US strikes on Iranian missile sites, despite Trump’s criticism of its limited involvement. France has increased its Middle East presence following an Iranian attack on a French base in the UAE, while Germany has emphasized its readiness for “defensive measures” without committing to offensive operations. A critical issue has been the reluctance of European leaders to challenge the legality of US actions under international law.#iran #france #uk #germany #us_administration
