PARIS — After initially distancing itself from the US and Israel's strikes on Iran over the weekend, Europe is now signaling readiness to help defend its Gulf partners as several EU member states and the United Kingdom continue to oppose the operation itself, citing the absence of a mandate from the UN Security Council.
The shift follows Sunday's Iranian drone attack on a British military base in Cyprus, which holds the rotating presidency of the Council of the European Union, that has European governments increasingly concerned that the conflict could further engulf the region. While European leaders stress that their countries will not take part in offensive operations against Iran, officials in Paris and London say they are prepared to assist Gulf partners on the defensive front, particularly in intercepting missiles and drones.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said on Monday that Paris was “ready to participate” in the defense of Gulf countries targeted by Iranian missiles and drones, while criticizing Israel and the United States for what he described as their disregard for international institutions. Speaking to journalists, Barrot stressed France’s support and solidarity with what he called “friendly countries” drawn into a conflict they did not choose, naming the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Iraq, Bahrain, Oman, Kuwait and Jordan. A Western diplomat told Al-Monitor on condition of anonymity that the UK has taken the same stance as France and is willing to assist Gulf partners.
Barrot’s remarks followed a joint statement issued on Saturday by French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, affirming their “commitment to regional stability and to the protection of civilian life” while underscoring that they had not taken part in the strikes on Iran. The statement stressed that the three countries remained in close contact with their international partners, including the United States, Israel and regional actors, as the conflict escalated.
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