Israeli Foreign Minister Says EU Lacks Common Line on Iran, Rebukes Spain

Israel’s foreign minister has said the European Union is divided over how to respond to the escalating conflict with Iran, dismissing criticism from Spain and arguing that internal differences have limited Europe’s role in recent developments.

In an interview over the weekend, Gideon Sa'ar stated that the EU “does not have a unified position” regarding Iran, as European ministers attempted to coordinate a common approach. He suggested that those divisions explain why EU member states were not involved in — and in some cases not informed about — the joint military strike carried out by Israel and the United States against Iran.

The operation resulted in the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, according to official announcements.

Sa’ar contrasted Europe’s stance with that of Washington, describing the United States as Israel’s closest ally. Within Europe, he said, positions vary widely. He cited the Czech Republic as strongly supportive of the operation, while singling out Spain for sharp criticism.

On Saturday, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez condemned the US-Israeli strike, describing it as unilateral and warning it could push the region toward broader war. He reiterated his call for de-escalation and respect for international law on Sunday, arguing that opposition to the Iranian government does not justify what he characterized as an unjustified and dangerous military intervention.

Sa’ar rejected Madrid’s assessment, saying Israel considers the operation fully justified under its right to self-defense. He accused the Spanish government of sending what he described as an anti-Israeli and anti-American message and dismissed its criticism.

Asked whether any European governments had expressed interest in participating in the military action or providing support, Sa’ar said he had spoken with several European counterparts over the weekend. He indicated that any country wishing to align itself with Israel’s position would know how to communicate that decision.

European institutions have also weighed in. On Sunday, Ursula von der Leyen warned of the risk of further escalation and said a credible political transition in Iran was urgently needed. Her remarks were interpreted by some observers as aligning with calls from Israel and the United States for significant political change in Tehran.

Sa’ar argued that the strike — including the killing of Khamenei and other senior Iranian figures — could weaken the existing leadership structure and create conditions for Iranians to determine their country’s future through free elections. He said Israel’s primary requirement is that any future Iranian leadership abandon hostility toward the Israeli state.

The exchange underscores widening diplomatic fault lines within Europe over the Middle East crisis. While some EU governments have expressed support for Israel’s security concerns, others have focused on the risks of escalation and the importance of adherence to international legal frameworks.

As European foreign ministers continue consultations, the question remains whether the bloc can present a unified stance — or whether diverging national positions will keep it on the periphery of one of the most consequential crises in the region in years.