European leaders have struggled to present a unified response to escalating tensions with Iran, despite a joint statement from France, Germany and the United Kingdom warning Tehran that they were prepared to take 'defensive action' if missile and drone attacks continued. The statement signaled concern but also highlighted the difficulty of coordinating a stronger collective stance.

Since then, national responses have varied. The United Kingdom agreed to a United States request to use two British military bases for defensive strikes on Iranian missile sites, though it has faced criticism from the American president for not taking a more active role. France has increased its military presence in the Middle East after an Iranian strike hit a French base in the United Arab Emirates, while Germany has said its forces remain ready to take defensive measures if attacked but are not planning further action.

The differing approaches underscore the challenges Europe faces in aligning its foreign policy priorities, balancing domestic political considerations with security commitments and relations with both Iran and the United States.