Capitals, March 8 (SANA) European governments are showing growing divisions over the expanding U.S.-Israeli war on Iran, as leaders seek to balance their alliance with Washington with concerns about being drawn into a wider regional conflict.
As Iranian retaliation spreads across the Middle East and affects several countries in the region, European capitals are debating how far they should support military operations while protecting their own security and economic interests.
Reports said a U.S. B-1 Lancer strategic bomber and a C-5 Galaxy transport aircraft landed at Britain’s RAF Fairford base. The deployment coincided with a demonstration in London attended by several thousand protesters urging the British government not to become involved in the war.
Relations between London and Washington have also shown signs of strain. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer initially declined to participate in the opening strikes against Iran, drawing criticism from U.S. President Donald Trump, who said Starmer was “not Winston Churchill” and expressed frustration over delays in allowing access to the Diego Garcia military base.
Starmer defended his stance before parliament, saying any military action must have a clear legal basis and a defined strategy. He also cited lessons from the Iraq war and the policies of former British Prime Minister Tony Blair.
However, as Iranian missile and drone attacks intensified across Gulf countries, Britain later allowed the use of its bases as part of collective self-defense efforts, saying strikes against Iranian missile sites were necessary to counter the threat.
Britain’s Ministry of Defence said Typhoon and F-35 fighter jets conducted operations in the region and intercepted Iranian drones. A runway at the Akrotiri base in Cyprus was also targeted in a drone attack before two additional drones were shot down.
European leaders have taken differing positions as the conflict intensifies. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez rejected participation in the strikes, warning that military escalation could worsen the crisis. French President Emmanuel Macron said France’s priority was protecting its territory and interests while strengthening defensive deployments in the Mediterranean without direct involvement.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz supported efforts to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons but called for caution and renewed diplomacy, saying Europe could not engage in an open war.
Despite increased deployments, European governments say their role remains defensive, focused on protecting bases, intercepting missiles and drones, and safeguarding international navigation routes. Observers say the United States is leading most military operations while Europe seeks to avoid direct confrontation with Iran, highlighting growing tensions within the transatlantic alliance as the conflict escalates.
M.Q.R
