The United States’ war against Iran has opened a rift between European countries and Donald Tump. Although reactions vary depending on the government, a message is beginning to prevail on the continent. That of avoiding direct involvement in the conflict. From London to Rome, via Berlin and Paris, a common position is growing marked by caution and fear of economic consequences.
In the United Kingdom, a traditional ally of Washington, the distance with the White House has been especially striking. The British Government has avoided getting involved in offensive operations and has refused to send ships to the Strait of Hormuz, despite pressure from Donald Trump. London insists on limiting its role to defensive actions and avoiding repeating past mistakes such as the Iraq war, still very present in the collective memory. Furthermore, the impact of the conflict is already being felt in the cost of living, with increases in energy and fuel.
In Germany, the evolution has been even more evident. In just a few days, Chancellor Friedrich Merz went from supporting the United States’ position without nuance to openly distancing himself. Berlin now refuses to participate in military operations or the mission in Hormuz and calls for an end to the conflict. This turn responds, to a large extent, to the fear of a new economic recession and a public opinion increasingly opposed to the war.
Italy, for its part, has maintained a more stable line. Giorgia Meloni, initially close to Trump, has opted for a cautious position, avoiding military involvement. Although it has not broken with Washington, it has not authorized the clear use of Italian bases for the offensive. The prime minister seeks to balance her relationship with the United States with a public opinion largely opposed to the war, which has already mobilized in the streets.
In France, Emmanuel Macron has played with ambiguity. He initially proposed an international mission to guarantee security in the Strait of Hormuz, but has gradually qualified his position until making it clear that France will not participate in military actions while the bombings continue. Paris defends a defensive role and is committed to negotiation with Iran as a way to stabilize the region.
Trump’s dart
This European position has provoked the irritation of Donald Trump, who has criticized his allies for supporting the offensive against Iran but not getting involved in the mission to reopen Hormuz. The US president has questioned NATO’s commitment and lamented the lack of military support.
Trump has stressed that the United States does not need “too much help” to carry out the mission, although he has stressed that the situation in Iran is a “test” for the capacity of NATO countries.
“I’ve been wondering for a long time if NATO would ever be there for us. So this was a big test because we don’t need them, but they should have been there,” he reflected.
