Following a series of Israeli attacks targeting Iranian nuclear sites and military leaders, global support for Israel has notably diminished. European allies express concern over potential escalation, while some countries still back Israel's right to defend itself against Iran's advancing nuclear threats.
Global Allies Show Divided Stance Following Israeli Strikes on Iran
Global Allies Show Divided Stance Following Israeli Strikes on Iran
Israeli airstrikes against Iran receive mixed reactions from international allies as tensions escalate.
June 13, 2025, 12:09 p.m. ET
In a significant shift from the previous Israeli-Iranian conflict, global allies have adopted a more cautious and concerned tone following Israel's latest strikes on Iran. After targeting key nuclear and military installations, Israel has encountered a lack of the robust support it previously enjoyed from allies.
In the past, the United States and Britain had readily provided military backing in the form of fighter jets and air defense systems during similar confrontations. However, this recent escalation has led to European leaders expressing apprehension regarding Israel's military strategy against Iran. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer warned that "escalation serves no one in the region," while EU's chief diplomat Kaja Kallas characterized the situation as "dangerous."
The tepid reaction from traditional allies underscores an increasing discontent toward Israel's approach to the ongoing conflict, particularly after the tensions in Gaza intensified following a failed cease-fire earlier this year. Ellie Geranmayeh from the European Council on Foreign Relations called the recent attacks "unprecedented" and cautioned that they risked plunging Israel and Iran into an active war.
Condemnations have also emerged from neighboring countries, with Egypt labeling the strikes a breach of international law, while Turkey criticized Israel for choosing military might over diplomacy.
Nevertheless, some allies remain steadfast in their support for Israel amid frustrations over Iran's nuclear developments. President Trump reaffirmed U.S. backing for Israel’s actions, deeming them "successful," and urged Iran to curtail its nuclear program. French President Emmanuel Macron asserted Israel's right to self-defense, while German Chancellor Friedrich Merz highlighted the ongoing threat posed by Iran's nuclear ambitions.
Daniel B. Shapiro, a former deputy assistant secretary of defense, noted the absence of U.S. direct involvement in the attacks but emphasized that assistance for Israel’s defense remains a possibility.
As the situation continues to unfold, the divide among Israel's allies raises questions about the future of Middle Eastern diplomacy and the potential for further escalation in the region.
In a significant shift from the previous Israeli-Iranian conflict, global allies have adopted a more cautious and concerned tone following Israel's latest strikes on Iran. After targeting key nuclear and military installations, Israel has encountered a lack of the robust support it previously enjoyed from allies.
In the past, the United States and Britain had readily provided military backing in the form of fighter jets and air defense systems during similar confrontations. However, this recent escalation has led to European leaders expressing apprehension regarding Israel's military strategy against Iran. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer warned that "escalation serves no one in the region," while EU's chief diplomat Kaja Kallas characterized the situation as "dangerous."
The tepid reaction from traditional allies underscores an increasing discontent toward Israel's approach to the ongoing conflict, particularly after the tensions in Gaza intensified following a failed cease-fire earlier this year. Ellie Geranmayeh from the European Council on Foreign Relations called the recent attacks "unprecedented" and cautioned that they risked plunging Israel and Iran into an active war.
Condemnations have also emerged from neighboring countries, with Egypt labeling the strikes a breach of international law, while Turkey criticized Israel for choosing military might over diplomacy.
Nevertheless, some allies remain steadfast in their support for Israel amid frustrations over Iran's nuclear developments. President Trump reaffirmed U.S. backing for Israel’s actions, deeming them "successful," and urged Iran to curtail its nuclear program. French President Emmanuel Macron asserted Israel's right to self-defense, while German Chancellor Friedrich Merz highlighted the ongoing threat posed by Iran's nuclear ambitions.
Daniel B. Shapiro, a former deputy assistant secretary of defense, noted the absence of U.S. direct involvement in the attacks but emphasized that assistance for Israel’s defense remains a possibility.
As the situation continues to unfold, the divide among Israel's allies raises questions about the future of Middle Eastern diplomacy and the potential for further escalation in the region.
