LONDON: In a significant escalation of rhetoric, the governments of France, Germany, and the United Kingdom have issued a joint statement declaring their readiness to defend their interests and those of their allies in the Persian Gulf, explicitly reserving the right to take “defensive action” against Iran.
The three European powers released the statement expressing profound concern over recent Iranian missile attacks, which they described as “indiscriminate and disproportionate.” The statement specifically criticized the scope of the strikes, noting that they impacted nations not involved in the initial US and Israeli military operations that preceded them.
“We are shocked by Iran’s indiscriminate and disproportionate missile attacks against countries in the region,” the joint statement read. “These actions have affected countries that were not party to the initial US and Israeli military operations.”
The declaration marks a hardening of the European stance toward Tehran. While stopping short of declaring an offensive military campaign, the three nations made it clear they are prepared to use force to protect their personnel and partners in the strategically vital region.
“We will work to defend our interests and those of our allies in the region,” the statement continued. “We reserve the right to take necessary and proportionate defensive measures to eliminate Iran’s missile and drone launching capabilities.”
The announcement signals a potential new phase in the ongoing tensions, suggesting that European militaries could move beyond passive defense to actively targeting Iranian launch sites if they perceive a direct threat. The statement did not specify what form such defensive measures might take or under what exact circumstances they would be deployed.
