European leaders have informed US President Donald Trump that “Iran is not our war.” European leaders believe that the United States did not consult them for this war, and there was no solid reason to attack Iran.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has taken an unusually blunt stance, rejecting a request from Donald Trump to support military efforts against Iran, including operations to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
Addressing lawmakers, Merz acknowledged concerns about Iran’s regional role but questioned the rationale behind the US-Israeli campaign. He said Washington had neither consulted European partners nor presented a credible plan for success. Consequently, Germany has ruled out participating in military operations to secure shipping routes while the conflict continues.
Moreover, Defence Minister Boris Pistorius reinforced the position, stating that the conflict is not Germany’s war. Similarly, Emmanuel Macron emphasised that France is not a party to the conflict, reflecting broader European reluctance to engage directly.
European leaders appear wary of being drawn into an unpredictable war with unclear objectives. At the same time, they are balancing this stance against the risk of further straining transatlantic relations, already under pressure due to disagreements over Ukraine and trade policies.
Meanwhile, Trump criticised allies for refusing to participate, calling their decision a mistake. He also directed sharp remarks at Keir Starmer, questioning his leadership. However, domestic opinion in Europe has largely supported government positions.
In the United Kingdom, opposition figures such as Kemi Badenoch and Robert Jenrick defended Starmer against criticism from Washington. Likewise, Spain’s leadership, including Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, rejected involvement, warning against external pressure.
Public opinion surveys across Europe indicate strong opposition to the war, reinforcing leaders’ decisions to remain on the sidelines.
