France, Germany and the United Kingdom say they are prepared to defend their interests and those of their allies in the Gulf, if necessary, by taking “defensive actions” against Iran. Europe responds to the crisis inflaming the Middle East, 48 hours after strikes carried out by the United States and Israel against Tehran.

Paris, Berlin and London set out their position in a joint statement. The three countries say they are “shocked by the indiscriminate and disproportionate missile attacks launched by Iran against countries in the region,” carried out in retaliation for strikes by the United States and Israel in Iran.

“We will take measures to defend our interests and those of our allies in the region, potentially enabling necessary and proportionate defensive actions to destroy Iran’s ability to launch missiles and drones at source,” the joint statement reads.

France in particular expresses its “unequivocal condemnation, full solidarity and total support” for the “Middle Eastern countries that have been targeted by massive and unjustified attacks by Iran,” French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot wrote in a post on X.

“Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman and Jordan are being dragged into a war they did not choose,” Barrot added, saying he is “in close contact with the respective foreign ministers.”

Starmer: “UK bases available to the US but we will not participate in an operation”

The United Kingdom “will not join an offensive in Iran,” but has agreed to allow the United States to use British military bases to strike Iranian missile sites, Prime Minister Keir Starmer said, providing an update on the situation in the Middle East.

“We all remember the mistakes made in Iraq and we have learned from them,” the prime minister said in a video posted on X.

“We were not involved in the initial strikes against Iran and we will not join offensive actions now,” Starmer said in the video message posted on social media, adding that he believes “the best path for the region and the world is a negotiated solution.” However, he clarified, Britain supports “the collective self-defence of our allies and our people in the region” because “Iran is pursuing a scorched-earth strategy.”

Kallas: “We call for maximum restraint and respect for international law”

The European Union is following developments in Iran and the Middle East “with the greatest concern” and urges all parties to de-escalate, calling for “maximum restraint, protection of civilians and full respect for international law,” including the principles of the UN Charter and international humanitarian law, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Kaja Kallas said in a statement on behalf of the 27 members. Brussels warns that “the Middle East risks suffering greatly from a prolonged war” and calls the Iranian attacks and violations of the sovereignty of several countries in the region “unacceptable.”

The EU recalls it has imposed “extensive sanctions” on Tehran in response to the “brutal repression and human rights violations against the Iranian people,” as well as threats to regional and international security linked to the nuclear and ballistic missile programs and support for armed groups. Brussels says it will continue to “protect the security and interests of the EU, including through further sanctions,” reaffirming its diplomatic commitment to “prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon” and calling for full cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen spoke by phone with the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. “We discussed the consequences of Iran’s reckless and indiscriminate attacks against the country. With the region in deep crisis, Qatar can count on strong European solidarity,” von der Leyen wrote in a post.

“The risk of further escalation is real. That is why a credible transition in Iran is urgently needed – a transition that restores stability and opens the way to a lasting solution,” she added, stressing the need to “halt Iran’s military nuclear and missile programs and its destabilizing actions by air, land and sea. Above all, we must support the democratic aspirations of the brave Iranian people.”

EU strengthens naval mission in the Red Sea with two French ships

The EU will reinforce its naval mission in the Red Sea with additional vessels, as Iran’s retaliation to the US-Israel strikes threatens maritime traffic. Two new French ships will join the EU’s Aspides mission, bringing the number of participating warships to five, a European diplomat told AFP on condition of anonymity after the foreign ministers of the 27 EU countries held talks on Iran.

Tajani: “The EU will make its voice heard during the transition phase as well”

“Europe will make its voice heard even after the hottest phase has ended, to initiate diplomatic dialogue in support of a transition in Iran,” Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said at a press briefing at the Farnesina. “The decision to continue the Aspides and Atalanta missions has been confirmed,” Tajani added after an extraordinary meeting of the EU Foreign Affairs Council.

During the meeting, Tajani said, Iran’s “responsibility” was acknowledged and “full solidarity with the Gulf countries attacked by Iran” was expressed. He said there was “shared concern and coordinated engagement to protect European citizens living in or traveling through the area,” including “coordination for their return to Europe.”

NATO will adjust posture to defend against potential threats

NATO’s Supreme Allied Commander in Europe, U.S. General Alexus Grynkewich, is watching developments in Iran and the Middle East “closely,” and is adjusting forces as needed to defend the Alliance from “potential threats,” NATO said in a post on X.

The Alliance “has adjusted and will continue to adjust NATO’s force posture to ensure the security of its 32 member countries and defend the Alliance from potential threats,” citing the risk posed by “ballistic missiles or unmanned aerial vehicles coming from this or other regions.”

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