Europe Rejects US-Israeli War on Iran

European leaders, including German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, French President Emmanuel Macron, and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, have publicly rebuffed US President Donald Trump's call for military involvement against Iran and to secure the Strait of Hormuz. They express doubts about the rationale behind the US-Israeli war and are wary of getting drawn into an unpredictable conflict. This stance highlights severe strains in transatlantic ties, already affected by issues like the war in Ukraine and tariff disputes. European nations are instead seeking their own solutions, with France proposing a European-led coalition to secure the Strait of Hormuz without US involvement. Public opinion in Europe largely opposes the war, further influencing leaders' decisions. Donald Trump has criticized his allies for their refusal, even loosening oil sanctions on Russia, which has also drawn European criticism. The situation underscores a growing divergence in foreign policy approaches between the US and its European allies.