Energy costs and protests deepen European opposition to renewed attacks on Iran
European governments are increasingly warning against renewed US-Israeli attacks on Iran as the conflict’s economic consequences intensify. Britain, France and Germany initially condemned Iran’s retaliation without denouncing the opening strikes on February 28, but their foreign ministers, alongside Italy and four regional powers, now argue that further escalation would sharply raise hydrocarbon prices and are urging restraint and diplomacy.
The shift does not erase European concerns about Iran’s nuclear programme, but it exposes divisions over whether alliance commitments require support for a war European states did not choose. Germany has allowed continued US use of its bases, Britain authorised limited operations from British facilities, and France permitted support aircraft while later blocking a weapons flight to Israel. Spain refused the use of jointly operated bases and closed its airspace to US aircraft involved in the war, prompting Donald Trump to threaten trade consequences.
Energy disruption is driving the change. Ursula von der Leyen said Europe’s fossil-fuel import bill had risen by 106 billion euros since late February, with gas prices up about 140 percent and diesel prices doubling. Brent crude climbed from $72.48 a barrel before the war to $126.41 at the end of April and remains above $100. Disrupted Gulf shipping has also raised insurance and transport costs, while urea fertiliser prices have increased by about 70 percent, adding pressure to household budgets, industry and protests over living standards as winter approaches.
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