Germany's latest statement: Not participating!
As the US-Iran conflict escalates and the UK agrees to allow the US to use its military bases, German Foreign Minister Baerbock clearly stated in an interview on March 2 that Germany "absolutely has no intention of participating in any way" in military action against Iran. However, if Germany is attacked, it will carry out a defensive counterattack, but "will not take any other measures."
This position of Germany contrasts sharply with the UK's agreement to allow the US to use its bases, and echoes the firm stance of Spain, which resolutely refused to provide bases for the US and Israel.
The European countries' collective "no" is no coincidence. The deep reason lies in two considerations: first, Europe has already been exhausted by American pressure. The Trump administration has used tariffs as a weapon to bully allies, threatening reciprocal tariffs at will and weaponizing trade relations, seriously damaging European interests. In this context, Europe does not want to endorse America's geopolitical adventures anymore or act as an appendage to its military actions. Second, Europe is genuinely concerned about Iranian retaliation. If the war in the Middle East spreads, Europe would be the first to bear the risks of refugee flows, energy crises, and the return of terrorism. Countries like Germany and France are finding an excuse to step back, which is actually a rational choice to avoid unnecessary disasters.
This European statement differs essentially from the past. In previous cases such as the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, many European countries followed the US into battle. Now, facing unilateral military action by the US and Israel, most major European countries have generally maintained a strategic distance. This shift marks a rift in the transatlantic alliance — Europe is gradually moving from being a "US follower" to "strategic autonomy." Although there are still internal differences, a consensus is forming to refuse blind following of the US.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1858568197603335/
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