Europe Threatens Strikes on Iranian Missile Launchers to Defend Interests

Tensions between Europe and Iran have reached a critical level. The most significant development in recent hours is the joint statement by the E3 group countries – Paris, Berlin, and London. These powers have officially threatened to take direct military action targeting Iranian military infrastructure, specifically missile launchers. This declaration represents a radical shift from the previous defensive posture and is interpreted as an attempt to protect the continent's strategic interests and maritime security. Simultaneously, the EU's chief diplomat, Kaja Kallas, emphasized the need for a "credible transformation" in Iran, suggesting that Brussels does not recognize the legitimacy of the current leadership following the death of Ayatollah Khamenei. However, a clear division has emerged within the European Union regarding the stance towards allies' actions. Spain, through Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares, has taken the most critical position against the "unilateral actions" undertaken by the governments in Washington and Jerusalem. Madrid fears that a lack of coordination will lead to regional chaos, a warning also issued by King Felipe VI during the inauguration of the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona. The King called for "maximum moderation" and the pursuit of a diplomatic solution, reflecting the sentiments in the southern EU member states, which fear a wave of migration and destabilization of energy markets. The E3 doctrine, which assumes close cooperation between France, Germany, and the United Kingdom on Iranian matters, was shaped during the 2015 JCPOA nuclear deal negotiations and has survived despite the US withdrawal from the agreement in 2018. Meanwhile, countries closer to the potential conflict zone, such as Oman, are trying to play a mediator role, stating that "the doors to diplomacy remain open." However, this perspective seems distant in light of the firm declarations by President Emmanuel Macron, who presented a new concept for the role of French nuclear deterrence in the collective security architecture. The Union has already announced new economic sanctions and an expansion of naval operations, intended as a response to attacks targeting commercial vessels in the Persian Gulf. The situation remains dynamic, and the lack of unanimity in Brussels regarding support for offensive actions may weaken Europe's negotiating position on the global stage.