Every country that has rejected Donald Trump’s call to join the war against Iran – and one surprising country that agreed
Allies Hesitate as Trump Seeks Support for Iran Operation
Former U.S. President Donald Trump is facing limited international backing for his proposed “Operation Epic Fury,” aimed at confronting Iran. After urging allies to join the effort, responses have been cautious or outright negative, raising questions about the operation’s viability and the risk of wider conflict. Several European nations have made clear they are unwilling to participate in further military action tied to the plan.
The United Kingdom, a key U.S. ally, has ruled out involvement, with Prime Minister Keir Starmer stating that Britain “won’t be drawn into the wider war” and emphasizing that NATO would not be part of the mission. Italy and Germany have taken similar positions, with Chancellor Friedrich Merz rejecting military participation and warning that force may not be the right approach. German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius also questioned the strategy, while other European countries—including the Netherlands, Lithuania, Estonia, and Greece—have expressed skepticism or declined involvement altogether.
Beyond Europe, allies such as Australia, South Korea, and Japan have also signaled they do not plan to join at this stage. Meanwhile, China has yet to clarify its role, though U.S. officials have urged cooperation. In contrast, Ukraine has offered limited support, with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy indicating willingness to assist in countering drone threats. The mixed response appears to have frustrated Trump, who warned that allied support—or lack thereof—would be remembered, leaving the future of the operation uncertain.
