Iran warns European countries: ‘Don’t join this war’

A big flag of Iran waving in the wind in Tehran, Iran.

Iran has warned European countries, on Tuesday, against joining its conflict with Israel and the United States. The warning is coming after Germany, Britain and France said they could take “defensive action” to destroy Iran’s missile-launching capabilities. “It would be an act of war. Any such act against Iran would be regarded as complicity with the aggressors.

“It would be regarded as an act of war against Iran,” foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei said at a press briefing when asked about the statement.

NATO ‘welcomes’ Macron’s nuclear drive

NATO on Tuesday said it welcomed “the opportunity to expand consultation on nuclear issues” with Paris after President Emmanuel Macron vowed to bolster France’s nuclear arsenal.

Macron said Monday France would expand its atomic arsenal and could deploy nuclear-armed aircraft to allied countries for the first time, in a potential major shift for Europe’s defence at a time of strained ties with the United States.

“France’s nuclear deterrent already contributes to the security of the alliance, and we welcome the initiative by President Macron to enhance deterrence further,” a NATO official told AFP, speaking on condition of anonymity.

“We welcome the opportunity to expand consultation on nuclear issues with France in order to ensure a coherent, coordinated approach.”

Macron updated France’s nuclear doctrine as Russia’s war against Ukraine grinds into a fifth year and NATO allies worry whether Washington’s commitment to Europe is wavering. Vanguard