Leaders of Germany, France, and the United Kingdom have signaled that they are prepared to take “necessary and proportionate defensive actions” in response to potential retaliation by Iran, amid rapidly escalating tensions in the Middle East.
In a joint statement issued by the so-called E3 — the diplomatic grouping of the three European powers — the governments warned that measures could be taken to neutralize Tehran’s military capabilities at their source, particularly if Iranian counterattacks threaten regional stability or allied forces.
According to the statement, European leaders are considering steps aimed at preventing Iran from launching missiles and drones, as concerns grow that the conflict could expand beyond its current scope. Officials emphasized that the potential actions under discussion are intended to protect their strategic interests, military personnel, and citizens in the region, while also supporting allied nations that may be at risk.
The three governments said they were deeply alarmed by recent attacks described as indiscriminate and disproportionate, which they claim have struck parts of the Middle East that were not directly involved in the initial military operation. Such developments, they warned, increase the risk of wider instability and threaten international security.
European officials further stressed that their close allies have come under threat, and that both military staff and civilians connected to their countries could be exposed to danger if the situation continues to deteriorate.
Berlin, Paris and London confirmed that any potential defensive measures will be closely coordinated with the United States and regional partners, as part of broader consultations on how to respond to the evolving security crisis in the Middle East.
