"Trump's war of choice with Iran is not going well. Iran has retaliated by targeting US assets and allies in the Gulf. At least 13 US service members have so far been killed in this conflict a figure dwarfed by more than 1,200 civilian Iranian deaths. The US has spent $16.5bn on just the first 12 days of the war, more than its total humanitarian assistance budget for 2024."
"The majority of European governments have rejected Trump's call for Nato allies to step in. In the words of Boris Pistorius, German defence minister: It's not our war. We didn't start it. Any movement of European military assets to the Gulf heightens the risk of Europeans being drawn directly into the conflict, as Iran could target their militaries."
"Europe should not be drawn into this US war of choice in the Middle East. Doing so would, among other things, undermine public support for European rearmament intended to deter Russia. While instability in the Middle East has spill-over effects on Europe, Russia continues to be the primary security threat to Europe."
Trump initiated an unprovoked war against Iran, prompting Tehran to close the Strait of Hormuz, causing oil prices to surge. He now pressures NATO allies to assist, but most European governments reject this request. The conflict has killed over 1,200 Iranian civilians and 13 US service members, costing $16.5 billion in twelve days. High oil prices threaten European and Asian economies with recession. Some European leaders consider limited naval operations to restore shipping freedom, but expanding military presence in the Gulf risks direct Iranian retaliation against European forces. Europe should prioritize its primary security concern: Russia's threat to Ukraine and European infrastructure.
#nato-and-us-foreign-policy #iran-us-conflict #european-military-intervention #middle-east-geopolitics #european-security-priorities
Read at www.theguardian.com
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