Wary Europeans Pledge 'Defensive' Military Aid in Mideast War
European nations have deployed warships, jets, and air-defense systems to protect Cyprus and allies amid Iran-linked attacks, emphasizing defensive and proportionate measures.
- On Sunday, Britain, France and Germany said they were ready to take defensive action in a joint statement, joining multiple European governments pledging aid to EU member Cyprus.
- Following attacks on military targets, regional tensions rose as an Iranian-made unmanned drone struck Akrotiri on Monday, and drones likely launched by Iran-allied Hezbollah were intercepted.
- France is sending its flagship aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle with 20 Rafale fighter jets and two Hawkeye radar aircraft, Britain is dispatching HMS Dragon with a Sea Viper missile system, and Italy is deploying Wildcat helicopters with Martlet missiles alongside air-defence systems.
- Spain ruled out US base use, prompting a reported threat from Donald Trump to sever trade ties, while Britain, Greece, and Portugal agreed to US base access under conditions, including Portugal's Lajes base.
- European leaders expressed reluctance to be drawn into the wider conflict as Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said, `We are not at war and we do not want to join the war`, while Prime Minister Luis Montenegro emphasized defensive or proportionate operations targeting military objectives.
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UK, France, Greece and more: How European countries are offering military aid to Gulf, Cyprus amid Iran war
Several European countries, at pains to point out their 'defensive aims', have vowed to help EU member Cyprus as the conflict in West Asia intensifies and widens. Britain, Greece and Portugal have agreed to let the US military use their bases under certain conditions
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