The United States and Israel are currently at the forefront of significant military action. On February 28, a coordinated strike known as Operation Epic Fury and Operation Roaring Lion resulted in the deaths of key Iranian leaders, including Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and the Minister of Defense.
As American troops and Israeli pilots face imminent threats from retaliatory attacks, the stakes are high. This effort aims to prevent the world from living under a regime with nuclear capabilities. In contrast, Europe’s response has been tepid. Ursula von der Leyen described the situation as “very worrying,” while President Emmanuel Macron warned about the potential for war. Notably, France, Germany, and Britain were quick to assert that their forces are not participating.
This signals a trend of detachment from the conflict. If it’s the Americans and Israelis taking on the risks while Europe distances itself, one has to question the purpose of the transatlantic alliance.
From my own experience as the U.S. Ambassador to the European Union, I can attest to the challenges of convincing our allies to shift away from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) and support the U.S. strategy of maximum pressure on Iran.
In Brussels, I met with reluctance. European leaders, including Federica Mogherini, the then EU high representative, dismissed evidence that Iran had violated the deal. The establishment of INSTEX, intended to facilitate trade with Iran despite U.S. sanctions, showcased misplaced priorities during a crucial time.
Instead of taking a firm stand against a regime that was increasingly defying international agreements, Europe worked on clever alternatives. Iran noticed this leniency and began violating uranium enrichment limits allowed under the JCPOA, pushing purity levels to around 60%, which is dangerously close to weapons-grade.
What’s particularly disheartening is that Europe has faced direct threats from Iran for years—yet remains hesitant in its response.
In 2018, an Iranian diplomat was convicted in Belgium for orchestrating a bombing plot aimed at an opposition rally in France, which could have resulted in massive casualties. Similarly, there were incidents in the UK where Iranian agents were implicated in violent attacks. British intelligence has tracked numerous Iranian-backed plots, indicating the significant risks posed to European countries.
This is not mere rhetoric. Iran has been actively targeting European interests while simultaneously pursuing nuclear advancements and supporting violent groups like Hamas. The Iranian regime continues to violate its own citizens’ rights brutally, especially during large protests.
With Khamenei now dead and significant leaders eliminated, Iran’s retaliatory actions highlight that it remains a perilous entity. The priority now must be to degrade its nuclear capabilities and military strength permanently.
No one is suggesting that Europe must engage militarily. The responsibility is currently on the shoulders of the U.S. and Israel. However, it would go a long way if our allies could show unequivocal support for these efforts. It’s essential that Europe abandons its aim for “maximum self-restraint” and recognizes the real aggressions faced by those engaging with Iran.
Moreover, European leaders must be aware of how these events resonate globally, especially in the eyes of nations like China, which has been deepening its alliances with Iran. A lack of unity among Western allies could embolden China and distort its assessment of the strength of the Western alliance.
Now, more than ever, the U.S. and Israel are committed to acting, facing significant costs in terms of resources and lives. Europe has a duty to publicly align with its partners, supporting their efforts and standing against oppression. This is a moment to demonstrate solidarity, and it’s crucial that Europe steps up.
