The latest Israeli strikes on Iran have prompted mixed reactions from global allies, reflecting a shift in diplomatic support that could have significant ramifications for regional stability.
Israel Faces Diminished Support Amid Escalating Iran Conflict
Israel Faces Diminished Support Amid Escalating Iran Conflict
Concerns from allies rise as Israel intensifies military actions against Iran.
June 13, 2025, 11:06 a.m. ET
The recent violence between Israel and Iran has seen a marked change in international response compared to previous conflicts. In prior rounds, Israel enjoyed robust backing from allies like Britain and the United States, which provided significant military resources including fighter jets and air defense systems. This time, however, after a series of aggressive assaults targeting Iranian nuclear infrastructures and military leaders, many allies have expressed alarm rather than unqualified support.
European leadership, in particular, has voiced concerns over what they perceive as an escalation of hostilities. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer emphasized that "escalation serves no one in the region," while Kaja Kallas, the chief diplomat for the European Union, labeled the situation as "dangerous." This caution follows a trend of increased European criticism directed at Israel, particularly over its actions in Gaza after a cease-fire broke down in mid-March. Humanitarian crises in the enclave have intensified, prompting condemnation over Israel's stance on limiting humanitarian aid.
Ellie Geranmayeh, a senior expert in Middle Eastern policy at the European Council on Foreign Relations, characterized Israel's current actions as "unprecedented" and possessing the potential to lead to a “war scenario” with Iran.
Regional reactions have been particularly sharp. Egypt, a country with a peace treaty with Israel, denounced the airstrikes as contraventions of international law and threats to stability. Turkey criticized Israel for opting for military force rather than pursuing diplomatic avenues.
Despite this, key allies, including the United States under President Trump, have reaffirmed their support for Israel. Trump labeled the attacks as "successful" and urged Iran to halt its nuclear ambitions. France's President Emmanuel Macron also expressed support for Israel's right to self-defense, even amid recent tensions over Gaza. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz highlighted Iran's failures to comply with agreements regarding its nuclear program, deeming it a significant threat to the region and to Israel's safety.
Former officials in the U.S. defense sector suggested that although the U.S. did not participate in the latest offensive, it remains prepared to aid Israel if necessary.
The evolving dynamics of the Israel-Iran conflict underscore a potentially dangerous shift in international relations, with the capacity for increased hostilities looming on the horizon.
The recent violence between Israel and Iran has seen a marked change in international response compared to previous conflicts. In prior rounds, Israel enjoyed robust backing from allies like Britain and the United States, which provided significant military resources including fighter jets and air defense systems. This time, however, after a series of aggressive assaults targeting Iranian nuclear infrastructures and military leaders, many allies have expressed alarm rather than unqualified support.
European leadership, in particular, has voiced concerns over what they perceive as an escalation of hostilities. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer emphasized that "escalation serves no one in the region," while Kaja Kallas, the chief diplomat for the European Union, labeled the situation as "dangerous." This caution follows a trend of increased European criticism directed at Israel, particularly over its actions in Gaza after a cease-fire broke down in mid-March. Humanitarian crises in the enclave have intensified, prompting condemnation over Israel's stance on limiting humanitarian aid.
Ellie Geranmayeh, a senior expert in Middle Eastern policy at the European Council on Foreign Relations, characterized Israel's current actions as "unprecedented" and possessing the potential to lead to a “war scenario” with Iran.
Regional reactions have been particularly sharp. Egypt, a country with a peace treaty with Israel, denounced the airstrikes as contraventions of international law and threats to stability. Turkey criticized Israel for opting for military force rather than pursuing diplomatic avenues.
Despite this, key allies, including the United States under President Trump, have reaffirmed their support for Israel. Trump labeled the attacks as "successful" and urged Iran to halt its nuclear ambitions. France's President Emmanuel Macron also expressed support for Israel's right to self-defense, even amid recent tensions over Gaza. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz highlighted Iran's failures to comply with agreements regarding its nuclear program, deeming it a significant threat to the region and to Israel's safety.
Former officials in the U.S. defense sector suggested that although the U.S. did not participate in the latest offensive, it remains prepared to aid Israel if necessary.
The evolving dynamics of the Israel-Iran conflict underscore a potentially dangerous shift in international relations, with the capacity for increased hostilities looming on the horizon.
