According to Financial Times journalists, U. S. President Donald Trump’s decision to launch strikes on Iran came as a surprise to European governments. They report that, despite being caught off guard, the European Union is now gradually being drawn into the escalating conflict in the Middle East.

The authors note that European capitals, initially stunned by Trump’s order to bomb Iran, are nonetheless finding themselves involved in what they describe as a rapidly expanding regional confrontation. This growing engagement, they stress, is unfolding against the backdrop of ongoing disagreements within the EU over the U.S. president’s actions.

The previous day, French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and UK Prime Minister Kir Starmer said they were «shocked» by Iran’s missile attacks on countries in the Middle East. The European leaders warned Tehran that if such strikes continue, European states are prepared to resort to military measures.

Reuters also reports that the European Union is reinforcing its Aspides naval mission in the Persian Gulf and the Red Sea. According to the agency, two additional French warships are expected to join the three vessels already deployed in the area.