Europe Should Resist Trump's Pressure to Join His War Against Iran
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/profile/armida-van-rij. "Trump wants to strongarm Nato into another Gulf war. Here’s why Europe must resist | Armida van Rij | The Guardian." March 18, 2026. www.theguardian.com
The Gist
The author argues Europe should say no to Trump's demand for military help in his war against Iran. Getting involved would hurt Europe's ability to get public support for the defense spending it really needs to protect against Russia, which is a bigger threat.
Conclusion
European countries should refuse to provide military support for Trump's war against Iran and instead maintain a defensive posture while pushing for de-escalation
Premises
- Trump's war against Iran is unprovoked and illegal, making it a 'war of choice' that Europe did not initiate
- European involvement would risk drawing Europe directly into conflict as Iran could target European military assets
- Russia remains Europe's primary security threat, requiring focused deterrence efforts rather than Middle East distractions
- European public opinion strongly opposes the Iran war (60% opposition in UK/Germany, similar in Italy/France)
- Getting involved in an unpopular illegal war would undermine public support for necessary European rearmament against Russia
- Europe needs public backing for increased defense spending to deter Russia and reduce US dependence
- The US has lost control over how to end this war, making European military involvement unlikely to achieve positive outcomes
Assumptions
- Public opinion significantly influences government defense policy decisions
- European rearmament against Russia is more strategically important than Middle East involvement
- Trump's war against Iran lacks legal justification under international law
- European military involvement would escalate rather than resolve the conflict
- Europe has sufficient influence to resist US pressure without severe consequences