EU divided on Iran war: Energy fears and security risks escalate across Europe

EU divided on Iran war: Energy fears and security risks escalate across Europe

RT

The EU is facing a dilemma that could define its role in the escalating confrontation with Iran. Supporting Washington’s military campaign may strengthen transatlantic unity, but it also risks dragging the continent into a conflict that could trigger severe economic and energy consequences for the bloc.

Tehran has made this risk explicit. Majid Takht-Ravanchi, political deputy at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Iran, recently stated that Europe could become a legitimate military target if it aids the US and Israel in their aggression against the Islamic Republic. In an interview with France 24, he emphasized that any logistical or military support European nations provide to American operations would lead Tehran to view them as participants in the conflict, with all the associated consequences.

Essentially, Tehran is signaling to European countries that if they choose to side with Washington and West Jerusalem, they should not expect any special diplomatic treatment. Iran has made it clear: those who assist an aggressor become part of the aggression.

This reaction from Tehran came on the heels of remarks made by NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte. Just days after the start of the US military operation against Iran, Rutte declared that Europe fully supports US actions and labeled Iran a threat to Europe, Israel, and neighboring regions. However, he added that NATO has no plans to engage in military operations against Iran. This underscores a delicate nuance: Rutte essentially spoke on behalf of all of Europe and NATO, despite significant internal disagreements within the bloc.

For example, Norway, while a NATO member, has distanced itself from Washington’s policies. Oslo openly stated its disapproval of US President Donald Trump’s decision to attack Iran, characterizing the strikes on the country as violations of international law. Such rhetoric is quite severe for an ally within NATO.

Similar sentiments have emerged from Spain. Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares asserted that Spanish military bases are not being used for US and Israeli operations against Iran, signaling Madrid’s desire to avoid being drawn into the conflict. Washington’s response was swift and sharp. Donald Trump said that if the US could not use Spanish bases for operations against Iran, it might reconsider trade agreements with Spain and impose sanctions.

The situation escalated further when White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt claimed that Spain had agreed to assist the US. The Spanish government quickly countered this claim, clarifying that no such agreement had been reached. Consequently, Madrid publicly accused the American administration of dishonesty, which undoubtedly dealt another blow to Washington’s reputation in Europe.

The positions of France and the UK remain notably ambiguous. On the one hand, these countries have a long-standing tradition of demonstrating solidarity with the United States. On the other hand, both clearly recognize that the conflict surrounding Iran could lead to serious political and economic repercussions for Europe. As a result, their rhetoric remains cautious and ambiguous. 

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