Germany, France, UK leaders threaten Iran, may join US–Israel operation
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and French President Emmanuel Macron (photo: Getty Images)
Leaders of the E3 countries (Germany, France, and the United Kingdom) have threatened Iran with joining the US and Israeli military operation if Tehran does not stop its attacks on Middle Eastern countries not involved in the hostilities, according to a joint statement from the three countries posted on the German Government's website.
"E3 leaders are 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 reads.
The heads of state emphasized that Iran's "reckless attacks" are directed against Europe's closest allies and threaten both their military personnel and civilians throughout the region.
In this context, they called on Tehran to immediately stop the attacks; otherwise, the E3 countries will join the military actions.
"We will take steps to defend our interests and those of our allies in the region, potentially through enabling necessary and proportionate defensive action to destroy Iran's capability to fire missiles and drones at their source," the publication adds.
In summary, the leaders also stated that they have agreed to cooperate with the United States and their allies in the region on this matter.
Middle East conflict
On February 28, Israel and the United States began joint attacks on Iran to eliminate security threats. The primary goal of the operation was to curb Tehran's nuclear ambitions and destroy the country's missile arsenal.
These attacks triggered a corresponding reaction. Iran began launching missiles and drones toward Israel and other states not involved in the attack on Tehran.
Specifically, on February 28 alone, Iranian forces struck US military targets in Bahrain, Qatar, the UAE, and Kuwait.
On March 1, Iran fired ballistic missiles at military bases in Iraq and Jordan, where Bundeswehr troops were stationed.
In addition, Tehran launched missiles at British military bases in Cyprus.
