As the US-Israel military campaign against Iran enters its third week, European governments are intensifying calls for de-escalation amid fears of prolonged regional instability. Security analyst Stefan Wolff, Professor of International Security at the University of Birmingham, emphasized Europe’s cautious approach in a recent interview with CGTN Europe, stating that “most European countries are trying to avoid becoming directly involved” while preparing for post-conflict diplomacy.
Europe’s Cautious Role
Wolff noted a unified European stance, with governments across the continent expressing skepticism about the legality of the conflict. “There’s been general doubt… about the legality of the war that Israel and the US started,” he said, adding that European leaders are prioritizing long-term relationships with Gulf Arab states and Iran. “The best thing European governments can do is exercise caution to avoid becoming co-belligerents,” Wolff advised, stressing the need for a post-war strategy to stabilize the Middle East.
Concerns About International Law
The conflict has reignited debates about the erosion of international legal frameworks. Wolff warned that the war “demonstrates once again that there is very little… to constrain the US in its reassertion of global dominance,” highlighting challenges to multilateral institutions. He cautioned that the crisis could accelerate shifts in the global order, with lasting implications for conflict resolution mechanisms.
