Iran on Tuesday warned European nations against involving themselves in its conflict with Israel and the United States.
The warning follows statements from Germany, Britain, and France suggesting they might take “defensive action” to neutralize Iran’s missile-launching capabilities.
“It would be an act of war. Any such act against Iran would be regarded as complicity with the aggressors. It would be regarded as an act of war against Iran,” said foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei during a press briefing when asked about the European statements.
Meanwhile, NATO expressed support for France’s nuclear ambitions. The alliance welcomed “the opportunity to expand consultation on nuclear issues” with Paris after President Emmanuel Macron announced plans to strengthen France’s nuclear arsenal.
Macron revealed on Monday that France intends to expand its atomic stockpile and could deploy nuclear-armed aircraft to allied countries for the first time, signaling a potential major shift in Europe’s defense posture amid strained ties with the United States.
“France’s nuclear deterrent already contributes to the security of the alliance, and we welcome the initiative by President Macron to enhance deterrence further,” a NATO official told AFP on condition of anonymity. “We welcome the opportunity to expand consultation on nuclear issues with France in order to ensure a coherent, coordinated approach.”
The French president updated France’s nuclear doctrine as Russia’s war in Ukraine enters its fifth year, raising concerns among NATO allies over the consistency of Washington’s commitment to Europe.
Despite reassurances from US officials that the American deterrent will continue to cover Europe under NATO, European leaders remain wary of potential uncertainty under US President Donald Trump.
Macron also disclosed that eight European nations, including Britain, Germany, Poland, and Sweden, had agreed to participate in what he described as a “forward” nuclear deterrence initiative.
While NATO’s nuclear posture relies on the United States, France remains outside the alliance’s nuclear planning group.
Macron emphasized that France’s efforts, as the only EU country with nuclear weapons (and the only European nation besides Britain), are designed to complement NATO’s mission.
Earlier this month, NATO chief Mark Rutte stressed that “nobody” is attempting to replace the US nuclear umbrella in Europe.
