Political differences inside the EU have grown as a result of escalating tensions over Israel’s war with Iran, highlighting weaknesses in the bloc’s Middle East strategy. According to experts, the EU, which was formerly a key actor in the talks for the Iran nuclear agreement, is now isolated and internally divided, which makes it more difficult for it to stop further escalation.
European nations are finding it difficult to agree on a stance, divided as they are between maintaining diplomatic ties with Tehran and bolstering Israel’s security. They still agree on one important issue, though: Iran must be allowed to have nuclear weapons.
The necessity of preventing a regional conflict is widely acknowledged. Still, EU members continue to differ on nuclear proliferation, a potential Tehran regime change, military escalation, and the larger diplomatic strategy toward Iran and Israel.
The E3, or France, Britain, and Germany, have released a joint statement supporting Israel’s security and highlighting the value of diplomacy. Emmanuel Macron, the president of France, was clear in his denial of offensive action, stating that Paris “would not participate in any offensive operations” and cautioning that “regime change by military means” would be a “strategic mistake.”
Although it discreetly sent Royal Air Force assets to the area as a precaution, London was cautious to disclaim any involvement in the Israeli operation. Since then, Foreign Secretary David Lammy has pushed for de-escalation and the restart of nuclear talks with both his Iranian and Israeli colleagues.
Germany did the same. Chancellor Friedrich Merz commended Israel for carrying out the “dirty work” of restraining Iran’s nuclear danger during his remarks at the G7 conference in Canada. Like many other European cities, Berlin has voiced increasing concerns about the possibility of regional conflict rather than openly supporting the strikes.
How aligned are the US and the EU on Iran?
The Trump administration first had a conflicted stance on the Iran-Israeli issue. Since then, Trump has intensified his rhetoric, and the US has also stepped up its military presence in the area by sending more fighter jets, mid-air refueling planes, and the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz.
As of right moment, the United States and Europe appear to agree on one key issue: Iran cannot be let to develop a nuclear weapon. But despite this common worry, experts point out that Washington has been minimizing Europe’s involvement in negotiations—not just on Iran, but also on Ukraine and Gaza—making the EU a spectator in situations where it used to have power.
The G7 conference in Canada this week was the clearest example of the gap between the US and Europe. Macron informed reporters that the US president was departing to negotiate a truce between Israel and Iran after Trump left the summit early due to escalating Middle East tensions.
The world’s major powers appeared to be united in the final G7 communique, which called Iran the “main source of instability and terrorism in the region.” However, observers say that it hasn’t done much to allay concerns in some European capitals that Israel’s strategy could spark an unwelcome, larger conflict.
