Germany, France, and the United Kingdom announced Saturday that they had not taken part in the latest strikes against Iran, but clarified that they are in close contact with their international partners – including the US, Israel, and regional states. A joint statement said the latest developments are under continuous review and that diplomatic contacts are ongoing.
Dubai pic.twitter.com/OlP6jYlhF0
— tom (@tom_bullock_) February 28, 2026
In the US, officials have been pressing leading European nations to join the regional effort, against the backdrop of Iran's strikes on targets in Gulf states and Tehran's attempt to block the Strait of Hormuz. Washington has argued that a "golden opportunity" has emerged to significantly weaken the Iranian regime and the threat it poses to the Middle East and Europe.
According to a diplomatic source in the region, the European nations have been provided with intelligence indicating that Iran is working to rebuild its military nuclear program and strengthen its ballistic missile arsenal – a development that has deepened Western concern about a broader escalation.
A sharp Saudi statement
In the meantime, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia issued a forceful statement against Tehran, after what it described as Iranian attacks aimed at the Riyadh area and the Eastern Province that were repelled. Riyadh condemned, "in the strongest terms," what it called "brazen and cowardly attacks," stressing they cannot be justified under any circumstances.
It was also noted that the strikes were carried out despite the Kingdom having made clear it would not allow its airspace or territory to be used to strike Iran. In response to the events, Saudi Arabia announced it would take "all necessary measures" to defend its security, including the possibility of responding to acts of aggression.
The latest developments have placed Europe before a strategic dilemma – avoiding direct military escalation against the mounting pressure to join the effort being led by the US and Gulf states against Iran.
