CounterPunch Exclusives

CounterPunch Exclusives

The Middle Power Dilemma: Europe, the U.S. and the Iran War

The bombardment of Iran exposed a central dilemma for Europe’s middle powers: condemn Tehran, yet resist joining a U.S.–Israeli offensive that violates international law. Though they reject Tehran’s human-rights abuses and support for terrorism, the U.K., France, Germany, and Spain hesitated to aid or condone the bombing. As the saying goes: “The strong use force; the weak rely on law.” What, then, were they to do? Iran’s escalatory retaliation — striking neighboring states and military bases — shifted the equation, pushing some governments toward limited support for Washington and Israel.

The bombing of Iran is unlawful. In an address to the French nation, President Macron clearly said that the attacks were “outside the framework of international law.” Under the U.N. Charter, to which the United States is a party, attacking another country can only be done in self-defense when a country is under imminent threat or with the authorization of the United Nations Security Council. Neither condition was met: there was no imminent threat and no Security Council authorization.

European middle powers are drifting strategically away from Washington amid recent tariff disputes. Uncertainty over U.S. commitment to NATO’s collective defense — particularly regarding Article 5 — has further pushed Europe to reconsider its reliance on American security guarantees. Washington’s hesitation to provide consistent support for Ukraine has further weakened transatlantic securitycohesion as well as Trump’s threats to annex Greenland.

Middle Powers’ Responses

The leaders of three of the middle powers, the U.K., France, and Germany, issued a joint European statement on February 28:

We call on Iran to stop these reckless attacks immediately. We will take steps to defend our interests and those of our allies in the region, potentially........

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