France, Germany, UK signal defensive action against Iran

France, Germany and the United Kingdom have warned they are prepared to take “defensive action” against Iran to safeguard their interests and those of Gulf allies amid intensifying regional conflict.

In a joint statement signed by French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, the three governments said they were “appalled by the indiscriminate and disproportionate missile attacks launched by Iran against countries in the region, including those who were not involved in initial US and Israeli military operations.”

The statement said the three nations stand ready to defend their interests and regional partners, potentially by enabling “necessary and proportionate defensive action to destroy Iran’s capability to fire missiles and drones at their source.”

The leaders added they would coordinate closely with the United States and regional allies in addressing the crisis.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen described the developments in Iran as “greatly concerning,” confirming the European Union is in close contact with diplomatic partners. She reaffirmed the bloc’s commitment to regional stability, nuclear safety and the global non-proliferation regime.

Von der Leyen also said the EU’s Operation Aspides naval mission remains on high alert in the Red Sea and stands ready to help secure key maritime corridors.

In London, Starmer chaired a meeting of the government’s Cobra emergency committee to assess Britain’s response. A government spokesperson said the UK had strengthened its defensive capabilities in the region but does not seek further escalation into a broader conflict.

Macron, meanwhile, called for an urgent meeting of the United Nations Security Council, warning that the war carries “serious consequences” for international peace and security.

The escalation follows Iran’s announcement of a “large-scale” retaliatory attack. Explosions were reported in Riyadh, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha, Manama, Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. Israeli emergency services said at least nine people were killed in the city of Beit Shemesh.

Source: Anadolu Ajansi, France 24