Trump's Iran War Puts Europe in a Bind—But the Continent Has Cards to Play

Europe Pays the Price for Trump's War

Trump's Iran war is bleeding Europe dry—and the continent didn't even sign up for it.

Energy prices are spiking as the Strait of Hormuz remains closed, threatening to choke Europe's already struggling industries and reignite inflation. The Trump administration has quietly suspended sanctions on Russian oil to ease global markets, handing Putin a financial windfall while Ukraine desperately needs continued pressure on Moscow. And critically needed Patriot missile defense systems are being diverted to the Gulf instead of going to Ukraine or European allies.

The fallout extends beyond economics. Trump's war is now poisoning the debate over America's commitment to NATO—an existential question for Europe. Tensions are rising in Washington over Europe's limited support for U.S. operations in Iran, with some voices floating the idea of NATO withdrawal as retaliation. NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte is heading to Washington this week to try to calm the storm.

But here's what's getting lost: Europe has real leverage in this fight. It just needs to use it.

The Infrastructure Trump Needs

European military bases aren't just convenient for U.S. operations in the Gulf—they're essential. Ramstein Air Base in Germany refuels aircraft, transports munitions, and supports command and control for the entire operation. Without Europe's dense network of logistics centers, Trump's military campaign becomes exponentially harder to sustain.

Ukraine brings another critical asset to the table: drone expertise. Kyiv has become a leading player in countering cheap Iranian Shahed drones, the same weapons Iran has been firing at U.S. forces. Ukraine signed defense agreements with several Gulf countries in March specifically around this technology. That expertise matters when the U.S. is burning through expensive interceptors to stop drones that cost a fraction of the price.

This isn't decisive leverage, but it's real. The question is whether European leaders will coordinate to use it—or keep making symbolic gestures that accomplish nothing.

Unilateral Moves Aren't Working

So far, domestic political pressure has driven some European countries to close their airspaces to U.S. military flights, deny landing rights, or prohibit use of jointly operated bases. These moves are understandable—European publics are deeply skeptical of getting dragged into another Middle East war.

But unilateral actions haven't advanced European interests. They've just fueled dangerous talk in Washington about abandoning NATO, which would be catastrophic for Europe's security. Trump already views alliances as protection rackets. Giving him an excuse to walk away from NATO would be a historic own-goal.

Europe needs a smarter strategy: coordinate its leverage to protect its interests without becoming a combatant.

What Europe Should Demand

European leaders should use their infrastructure and Ukraine's drone capabilities as bargaining chips for three concrete goals:

First, push hard for a quick ceasefire and at least partial reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. Europe needs energy prices to come down before they crater the continent's economy. The UK has already convened about forty countries to discuss securing the strait after a ceasefire—that's the right direction. Europe should pledge support for demining and monitoring operations to restore safe navigation, a constructive contribution that doesn't pull the continent into combat.

Second, demand that the U.S. reimpose sanctions on Russia and maintain weapons supplies to Ukraine. Moscow is already shelving planned budget cuts thanks to higher oil profits and the easing of U.S. sanctions. Russia is brazenly supporting Iran in this conflict, and Europe should drive that point home relentlessly. Any European logistical support for U.S. operations should be explicitly linked to continued American commitment to Ukraine.

Third, make clear that European infrastructure won't support further escalation without consultation. If Trump wants to target Iranian water and power infrastructure—classic collective punishment tactics—he shouldn't expect European bases to facilitate it without European governments having a say.

Russia Is Laughing

The bitter irony here is that Russia is one of the biggest winners from Trump's Iran adventure. Suspended U.S. sanctions are filling Putin's war chest. Diverted weapons supplies are weakening Ukraine's defenses. And a transatlantic rift over Iran could undermine Western support for Kyiv just as Russian aggression grinds on.

Putin must be thrilled watching Trump manufacture a crisis that strengthens Russia's position while straining the Western alliance. It's almost like that was the point.

Use It or Lose It

Europe has limited options to mitigate the damage from Trump's Iran war in the short term. But the leverage it does have—military infrastructure, Ukrainian drone expertise, and the political capital that comes with being America's most important allies—should be used collectively and strategically.

That means resisting U.S. pressure to join the war while contributing to a ceasefire where possible. It means coordinating across the continent instead of making scattered unilateral gestures. And it means driving a hard bargain: European support for U.S. operations in exchange for protecting European interests, maintaining support for Ukraine, and preventing further escalation.

Trump started this war to distract from domestic scandals and project strength. Europe didn't ask for it, but the continent is paying the price. European leaders should stop acting like they have no cards to play—and start playing the ones they have.