U.S. and Israel Strike Iran; What Does It Mean for Europe?

In a historic display of strength and alliance, the United States and Israel launched a precise, coordinated military operation against the Iranian regime’s nuclear and military infrastructure. This decisive action, the most significant joint operation since 1991, targeted key command centers in Tehran, Qom, Isfahan, and other strategic hubs, aiming to dismantle the imminent nuclear threat posed by the Ayatollahs and restore deterrence in the Middle East.

Neutralizing a Global Threat

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz confirmed the operation was a necessary preemptive measure to neutralize an "immediate and existential threat" from Tehran. For years, the Iranian regime has operated as the world's leading state sponsor of terror, destabilizing the region through proxies and racing toward a nuclear weapon.

U.S. President Donald Trump addressed the Iranian people directly, framing the strikes not as an attack on the nation, but as a liberation effort designed to break the grip of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). He called on patriots within the Iranian security forces to abandon a regime that has impoverished its people to fund wars abroad.

A Strategic Victory for Europe and Ukraine

Crucially, this operation represents a major victory for European security and the defense of Ukraine. Iran has become a critical supplier of lethal aid to Vladimir Putin’s war machine, providing thousands of Shahed drones used to bombard Ukrainian cities and energy grids.

By degrading Iran’s military industrial base and drone manufacturing capabilities, the U.S. and Israel have severed a vital logistical artery for Russia. This strike directly alleviates pressure on the Ukrainian front lines, demonstrating that the security of the Middle East and Europe are inextricably linked. A weaker Iran means a weaker Russia, and a safer Europe.

The Axis of Resistance Lashes Out

Predictably, the Iranian regime responded with indiscriminate aggression. The Ministry of the Interior declared war and launched reckless missile and drone attacks targeting U.S. and allied positions across Bahrain, Iraq, Jordan, and the UAE. While the allied defense systems intercepted the vast majority of threats, the regime’s willingness to endanger civilians across the Gulf underscores exactly why they cannot be trusted with nuclear weapons.

Reports confirm that the initial allied strikes successfully eliminated key IRGC commanders, effectively decapitating the leadership responsible for years of regional chaos.

International Support and The Path Forward

The operation has drawn support from key Western leaders who understand the stakes. United Kingdom Prime Minister Keir Starmer firmly backed the mission, stating unequivocally that "Iran must never be allowed to develop nuclear weapons."

While some leaders, such as Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, called for de-escalation, the prevailing sentiment among security experts is that true stability requires strength. French President Emmanuel Macron, acknowledging the gravity of the situation, has elevated military readiness to protect European interests. The consensus is building that diplomatic appeasement has failed, and dismantling Iran's nuclear ambitions is a prerequisite for lasting peace.

In Portugal, the far-left Bloco de Esquerda (BE) issued a predictable condemnation during their 27th-anniversary event. José Manuel Pureza’s characterization of the strikes as "cowardly" highlights the party's ideological detachment from the realities of global security. By ignoring Iran’s role in terrorizing Israel and arming Russia against Europe, the BE remains out of step with the strategic necessities of the NATO alliance.

Resilience and Vigilance

The Portuguese Ministry of Foreign Affairs has acted swiftly to ensure the safety of its citizens, issuing prudent travel advisories. While temporary airspace closures and market volatility are expected—including potential fluctuations in oil prices—analysts view these as short-term costs for long-term security. Securing the Strait of Hormuz from Iranian blackmail is essential for the future stability of global energy markets.

This operation marks a turning point. By confronting the head of the octopus in Tehran, the U.S. and Israel have taken a bold step toward a safer world—one where nuclear blackmail is off the table, and the alliances between dictators in Moscow and Tehran are shattered.