BRUSSELS
European governments remain divided over the ongoing US-Israeli attacks against Iran, highlighting growing fractures within the Western alliance as Washington presses its European partners to support the military campaign.
The European Union, key member states, and the United Kingdom have all called for respect for international law and urged de-escalation. However, they have failed to present a unified strategy, appearing increasingly sidelined as the crisis in the Middle East deepens and threatens global repercussions.
On Wednesday, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said US President Donald Trump expects "all of our European allies" to back the US and Israel.
Trump has openly criticized the hesitation among European governments. He also took aim at British Prime Minister Keir Starmer after London declined to support the strikes.
"This is not Winston Churchill that we’re dealing with," Trump said, referring to Starmer's stance that the UK does not support "regime change from the skies."
EU calls for diplomacy
The European Union has urged restraint and intensified diplomatic efforts to prevent further escalation in the Middle East, warning that a prolonged war could have serious global consequences.
EU foreign ministers held an emergency video conference following the outbreak of hostilities to assess the situation in Iran and the wider region. In a joint statement, the bloc expressed "utmost concern" over the unfolding events and called for maximum restraint from all parties.
Reiterating the bloc's long-standing policy, the European Commission spokesperson said the EU will continue to support a diplomatic solution aimed at preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.
At the same time, the bloc stressed the importance of protecting civilians and respecting international law, including the UN Charter and international humanitarian law.
In one of her latest speeches, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas warned that the escalating crisis reflects a broader erosion of international law.
"Without restoring international law and accountability, we are doomed to see repeated violations of the law, disruption, and chaos," she said.
UK pursues balanced stance
The UK has adopted a cautious approach, combining criticism of Iran with calls for diplomacy.
Starmer defended the decision not to participate in the strikes, saying the best solution is "a negotiated settlement with Iran, where they give up their nuclear ambitions."
While Britain initially restricted the US from using the Diego Garcia military base in the Chagos Islands, London later confirmed that American forces could use British facilities to support regional defense and Israel's security.
The UK has also increased its defensive military presence in the region, deploying additional Typhoon fighter jets to Qatar.
France stresses international law
France has taken a more legally focused position.
Macron warned that military action conducted outside international law could undermine global stability and called for emergency discussions at the UN Security Council.
At the same time, Paris has sought to avoid direct confrontation with Washington and has condemned Iran's retaliatory attacks.
France has authorized a temporary presence of American aircraft at certain bases but secured guarantees that the planes would not be used to carry out strikes on Iran and would only support regional defense operations.
Paris has also deployed the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle and other military assets to the region to protect French interests, including its base in Abu Dhabi.
Similarly, Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten said that he recognizes the threat Tehran poses to regional security; however, he believes the US and Israeli strikes on Iran are not consistent with international law.
Germany more sympathetic to US goals
Germany's stance has been more aligned with Washington's broader objectives.
Chancellor Friedrich Merz described Iran as a major security threat and said decades of sanctions and diplomacy have failed to halt Tehran's destabilizing activities.
During a visit to the White House this week, Trump praised Merz as "an excellent leader," highlighting Berlin's decision to allow US forces to use the Ramstein Air Base in Germany.
Merz said Western governments share an interest in preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, but also warned about the risks of a prolonged conflict.
"An endless war is not in our interest," he said, adding that a collapse of the Iranian state could have far-reaching consequences for Europe, including risks to energy supply, security and migration.
Germany is working with European and regional partners to develop a framework for ending the conflict and establishing a broader Middle East peace order, he added.
Spain voices stronger criticism
Spain has taken one of the strongest positions in Europe against the US-Israel military campaign.
Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez described the attacks on Iran as "an extraordinary mistake" and warned that the conflict poses a serious threat to global stability.
Madrid has also refused to allow US forces to use Spanish air and naval bases to carry out attacks on Iran, a decision that has drawn sharp criticism from Trump, who threatened to cut off trade ties with Spain.
Sanchez defended the decision, saying alliances should allow partners to disagree.
"We are not going to take a position that goes against our values and principles out of fear of reprisals from others... We say no to war," he said.
Italy raises legal concerns
Defense Minister Guido Crosetto told parliament that the military operation carried out by the United States and Israel was "outside the rules of international law," warning that the situation in the region could further deteriorate.
Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani stressed that Rome is not at war and urged diplomatic efforts to prevent a broader regional conflict.
"Italy is not at war; diplomatic channels should be preferred," Tajani said, warning of a "real risk" that the crisis could expand across the Middle East.
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has also warned that the conflict could have "totally unpredictable consequences."
She said any potential request from Washington to use Italian military bases would be carefully assessed by the government in consultation with parliament.
Eastern Europe backs Washington
In contrast, several Eastern European countries have offered clearer political support for the US-led operation.
Polish President Karol Nawrocki has framed the conflict primarily through a security lens, arguing that Iran's actions threaten international stability.
At the same time, Poland has emphasized that it is not directly involved in the military campaign. Defense Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz said Warsaw has not received any request to participate in US operations against Iran.
Similar supportive voices have emerged from the Czech Republic.
Iran's nuclear program seriously threatens international security, and a US strike on three Iranian nuclear facilities is thus an understandable effort to prevent the development of nuclear weapons, Prime Minister Petr Fiala said.
He expressed optimism that US attacks would prompt the Iranian government to engage in talks, leading to de‑escalation in the region.
