France, Germany, and UK Ready Defensive Measures to Dismantle Iran's Military Capabilities

On March 1, 2026, the leaders of France, Germany, and the United Kingdom jointly declared their readiness to undertake "necessary and proportionate defensive actions" to neutralize and destroy Iran's military capabilities in response to recent Iranian missile and drone attacks. These strikes by Iran were retaliatory acts following US and Israeli operations that resulted in the death of Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and led to casualties in the region, including nine deaths in Israel and further fatalities across neighboring countries.

The E3 alliance condemned Iran's actions as "blind and disproportionate," emphasizing the threat these attacks pose to military personnel and civilians in the region, including nations not involved in the initial conflicts. The statement underlined the intention to safeguard their interests and those of their regional allies by taking measures targeting Iran's capacity to launch further missile and drone strikes. Cooperation with the United States and regional partners is planned to coordinate these defensive efforts.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer confirmed that while Britain will not engage in offensive attacks on Iranian territory, it has permitted US forces to use British military bases to conduct operations against Iranian missile sites. French President Emmanuel Macron called the situation unacceptable, stating, "Nothing justifies the Iranian attacks," and convened a defense council meeting to address the escalating tension.

Additionally, the European Union condemned Iran’s actions as "inexcusable," warning of possible regional and global escalation and economic fallout if the conflict prolongs. EU officials stressed the importance of de-escalation and restraint. France has also advised its citizens against traveling to Iran and suspended flights to and from Tehran’s Imam Khomeini Airport as a precautionary measure.

This unified European response highlights the seriousness with which France, Germany, and the UK view Iran's military provocations and their determination to act decisively alongside international partners to prevent further destabilization in the Middle East.