Mark Leonard's World in 30 Minutes Israel attacks Iran: Europe’s role in stopping a dangerous regional war
Jun 13, 2025
Ellie Geranmayeh, the Deputy Director of the ECFR’s Middle East and North Africa programme and expert on Iran, delves into the repercussions of Israel's extensive airstrikes on Iran, targeting critical military and nuclear sites. She discusses Iran's potential retaliatory strategies, including drone attacks, and the urgency of the situation as U.S.-Iran nuclear talks spiral towards collapse. The conversation highlights the geopolitical landscape, examining how Europe can play a crucial role in easing tensions and preventing a large-scale regional conflict.
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Israel's Massive Strike on Iran
- Israel launched an unprecedented attack on Iran targeting over 100 military and nuclear sites with 200 fighter jets.
- This escalation exceeds previous tit-for-tat strikes and could lead to long-term regional conflict.
Iran's Calculated Retaliation
- Iran has begun retaliating with drone strikes inside Israel but may avoid hitting US assets to keep diplomatic doors open.
- Iran seeks to leverage Arab states' influence on the US to pressure Israel and maintain delicate regional ties.
Europe Should Coordinate with GCC
- European countries should coordinate closely with GCC states to promote de-escalation in the Israel-Iran conflict.
- They must also protect European diplomatic and military personnel from becoming collateral damage.