ALERT: How do European countries respond to the attack on Iran? | International
New information reveals that the following story has emerged from the international scene.
Six days after the start of the joint US-Israeli offensive against Iran, European countries have been forced to position themselves in the conflict following the attack on a British air base in Cyprus. Since then, many European governments have shown their solidarity with the island and promised military reinforcements for its defense, but they have distanced themselves from the US offensive against Iran, arguing that this “is not their war.” SpainPresident Pedro Sánchez responded with a clear “no to war” last Tuesday, positioning himself as the main opponent of Donald Trump’s offensive. Spain has refused to allow the United States to use the military bases in Rota (Cádiz) and Morón (Seville) to attack Iran. “We are not going to be complicit in something that is bad for the world for fear of retaliation from someone,” Sánchez was blunt during an appearance in La Moncloa on Wednesday morning in reference to the response of Trump, who threatened to block trade with Spain. That same day, White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt assured that Spain agreed to “cooperate with the US army”, statements that were immediately denied by the Spanish Foreign Minister, José Manuel Albares. Not facilitating the use of military bases in its territory does not mean that Spain remains passive in the face of the conflict. The Government has announced the sending of the frigate Christopher Columbus to the eastern Mediterranean in an operation made up of a French aircraft carrier and ships of the Greek Navy. FranceEmmanuel Macron seems to be the one leading the European defensive movement. “This war is not ours, but we have responsibilities with our partners. This crisis adds to everything that is happening in Ukraine and the instability in our environment. We want to be reliable, predictable, and assure our partners: in the Mediterranean and in the Gulf region and the Middle East”, has been the message that the French Government has transmitted about its support for the confrontation against Iran. In line with this commitment to support its partners, the French authorities have authorized the US Army to use one of its bases in French territory for its use. in defensive operations. The head of the French General Staff has assured that he has a “total guarantee” that the American fighters using the 125 Istres-Le Tubé military base will not participate in the offensive against Iran. Macron, who expressed his solidarity with his Spanish counterpart regarding Trump’s response, has stated that France “cannot approve” the US and Israeli offensive against Iran because it is “outside international law.” As for Cyprus, it has also sent a frigate along with a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, the Charles de Gaulle, and the most important weapon that France has at its disposal. The French president has also referred to the attacks on Lebanon on his account on the social network The president has also called on both Israel to “not extend the war to Lebanon,” and to Iranian leaders “not to further involve Lebanon in a war that does not belong to them.” It has also announced that it will strengthen its cooperation with the Lebanese Armed Forces.The French aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle in a port in the Philippines, in February 2025.Joeal Calupitan (AP)ItalyThe Italian Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni, broke this Thursday the silence in which she has maintained during the last five days since the attack on Iran. “We are not at war and we do not want to go to war,” he told Italian radio before specifying that the United States has not yet requested the use of its military bases on Italian soil and that, if it does, the decision must go through Parliament. In any case, it would be for logistical use, not for war actions. Italy has also joined in sending military aid to the Gulf countries with defensive equipment – air, anti-drone and anti-missile -, as reported by the Minister of Defense, Guido Crosetto, in addition to sending military ships to Cyprus. PortugalPaulo Rangel, Minister of State and Foreign Affairs of Portugal, confirmed to CNN on Monday that his Government granted the United States authorization for the use of the Lajes base, in the Azores, with three conditions: be used defensively, be necessary and proportional, and only to attack military objectives. Rangel stressed that before the confrontation began, the Portuguese Government “was not informed” that there would be a US military intervention, and assured that “Portugal is not going to be in this conflict” and that “it is not going to intervene in anything.” United KingdomThe Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Keir Starmer, has announced the shipment of four Typhoon fighter jets to strengthen the capabilities of the Air Force in Qatar, and Wildcar anti-drone helicopters to Cyprus. In a press conference, Starmer commented that they shot down several drones, of which “at least one was headed to the British military base.” In the appearance, he confirmed that his Government has allowed the United States to use its facilities only for “defensive operations” that would also benefit the United Kingdom, and clarified that Washington had not requested the use of its bases until Saturday afternoon, when Operation Epic Fury was already underway. The prime minister has made his relationship with the United States clear: “We work with the Americans in the deployment from our bases. We work together in the region […] to protect both the United States and the United Kingdom in the joint bases where we are located, and we share intelligence 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.” Greece Following the attack on a British base in Cyprus last Monday, Greece deployed F-16 fighters and frigates to support the defense of the island, and installed a Patriot anti-aircraft missile system on the island of Carpathians – in the southeastern Aegean Sea – as a preventive reinforcement measure in the Mediterranean. GermanyAfter the meeting Last Wednesday with President Donald Trump, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz defended the US and Israeli attacks against Iran, but ruled out German military participation in the offensive. US President Donald Trump during a bilateral meeting with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz at the White House in March 2026. announced that it will send anti-drone defense experts to countries that have been attacked by Iran. According to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, several countries have requested their collaboration, due to the country’s long experience in the matter after four years of war. The devices that Iran uses to attack are similar to those used by Moscow, such as the Shahed 131 and 136 models. More information Belgium and the Netherlands have declared that they understand the attack on Iran, but have shown themselves. concerned about the consequences. Austria has welcomed the “opening of a window for the citizens of Iran”, but has also noted that “the cycle of violence must end.” Hungary and Luxembourg have referred to the impact that the clashes have on the increase in oil and energy prices. Finland has also criticized the United States for operating outside international legality.
Analysis and Perspective:
This development could have far-reaching consequences for global politics in the months ahead.
As the situation continues to evolve, analysts are closely watching for further developments.
We encourage our readers to follow this developing story for the latest information.
Source: This article was originally published in another language by Internacional en EL PAÍS and has been translated and adapted for our global English-speaking audience. Read the original article here.