US Ignores European Allies' Calls for "Ceasefire" as Rift Between Sides Continues to Deepen

Source: Xinhua News Agency

Beijing, March 25 — Recently, French and German officials accused the United States of launching military strikes against Iran without informing allies beforehand, causing spillover effects that have resulted in significant economic losses for the latter and deepening cracks in transatlantic relations. The U.S. has ignored its allies’ calls for de-escalation and is still planning to send more troops to the Middle East.

Allies are anxious and uneasy

On March 24, French Chief of Defense Staff General Fabien Mandon criticized at a security and defense forum in Paris that the U.S., as an ally, has become “increasingly unreliable.” According to Mandon, although the U.S. remains France’s ally, it has become more unpredictable, “even too lazy to notify us before striking Iran,” and the U.S. actions have affected France’s security and interests.

On the same day, French President Emmanuel Macron announced on social media that he had spoken with Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, urging Iran to cease attacks on regional countries, restore freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, and actively engage in negotiations to de-escalate the situation.

On March 9, Macron arrived at the Paphos Air Force Base in southwestern Cyprus. Xinhua News Agency photo (by George Christoforou)

At a national defense and security meeting on March 17, Macron stated that France, not being a party to the conflict, would not participate in any operations aimed at “opening” the Strait of Hormuz under current circumstances. A Saudi Arabian news website reported that this stance was seen as a “slap in the face” to U.S. President Donald Trump’s statement the day before. Trump had hinted at the possibility of France joining the U.S.-led convoy operation in the Strait of Hormuz during an event at the White House on March 16. The report pointed out that since the outbreak of the U.S.-Iran conflict, shipping risks through the Strait of Hormuz have surged, causing sharp fluctuations in global oil prices, and many European countries are striving to protect their interests.

Also on March 24, Germany’s Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and Energy, Catherine Reiche, warned at an energy industry conference in Texas that Germany’s “fragile economic recovery” is threatened by spillover effects from Middle Eastern conflicts, and that fuel shortages could occur within weeks. Reiche said that if the conflict prolongs, Germany might face fuel shortages as early as April or May.

Germany’s economy has recently shown signs of recovery, but the current sharp rise in international energy prices has increased production costs for energy-intensive industries such as mechanical manufacturing and chemicals, affecting investment trends, production plans, and profit margins. According to analysis from the German Institute for Economic Research, if Brent crude oil futures in London rise to $150 per barrel, Germany could face economic losses exceeding 80 billion euros over two years.

German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier stated on March 24 at a commemorative event at the German Foreign Office that since Trump began his second term, the cracks in transatlantic relations have deepened. He emphasized that U.S. and Israeli military strikes on Iran are undoubtedly violations of international law and a fatal political mistake.

On March 21, people in London participated in a rally protesting against U.S. and Israeli military strikes on Iran. Photo by Li Ying, Xinhua News Agency

The U.S. may increase troop deployment

While European allies are anxious, the U.S. continues to consider sending more troops to the Middle East. Multiple U.S. media outlets, including The New York Times, reported on March 24, citing Defense Department officials, that the Pentagon has dispatched about 2,000 soldiers from the 82nd Airborne Division to the Middle East to prepare for more military options while diplomatic efforts with Iran are ongoing. Reports indicate that recently, several naval ships and thousands of Marines have departed from ports in California, with an expected arrival in the Middle East in at least three weeks.

The reports said that Marine training includes supporting U.S. diplomatic operations, evacuating civilians, and rescue missions; the 82nd Airborne is training for parachuting into “hostile or contested areas” to seize key regions and airports.

Regarding the U.S.-Israel-Iran conflict, the Trump administration has recently sent signals of “both fighting and negotiations.” While threatening to strike Iran’s “various power plants” and demanding Iran open the Strait of Hormuz, it also claims to have engaged in “strong” talks with Iran and reached some agreement points. Iran’s armed forces issued a statement responding that if the U.S. proceeds with threats to attack Iran’s power plants, Iran will immediately take four “punitive” measures, including a full closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Additionally, Iran’s Parliament Speaker, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, denied any negotiations with the U.S. on social media on March 23, stating that spreading false news is aimed at “manipulating financial and oil markets” to help the U.S. and Israel escape their “deep quagmire.”

A think tank, the Center for a New American Security, analyzed that the U.S. aims to delay Iran’s actions by releasing these complex signals, buying time for U.S. Marine forces to arrive in the Middle East. Meanwhile, the Trump administration is actively seeking ways to exit the conflict. (Wang Yijun)