Europe pushes back on US military operations over Iran escalation fears

Insights

• Several European governments and EU officials publicly questioned or criticised recent US military actions in the Middle East.
• EU and NATO diplomats have sought consultations to coordinate responses and reduce the risk of unintended escalation.
• Washington says operations target Iran-linked groups while allies warn such strikes could provoke wider conflict.
• Concerns about retaliation from Iran and its proxies are driving calls for diplomacy and restraint.
• The dispute is straining transatlantic unity as governments balance security cooperation with the need to avoid a broader war.