Europe’s Iran War Stance Shifts as Oil Crisis Fuels Protests
Western European governments are increasingly opposing the US-Israeli war on Iran, driven by soaring energy costs and social unrest. While initial support for the conflict was muted, leaders in Germany, the UK, and France now warn against renewed escalation. Iran’s foreign ministry highlights this shift, contrasting Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s 2025 support for Israel with current European calls for restraint. The conflict has driven Brent crude above $100 and gas prices up 140%, exacerbating a cost-of-living crisis that has sparked protests across Europe.