Eurotopics.net

European states have different stances on the US and Israeli attacks on Iran. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stressed at a meeting with US President Donald Trump on Tuesday that Germany agrees that the regime in Tehran must be removed from power. The UK initially refused to allow the US to use British military bases for attacks on Iran but has now given permission in specific cases. Meanwhile Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has spoken out against the strikes and called them a violation of international law.

The conflict in the Middle East is pushing up oil and gas prices. Threats from Iran have paralysed maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, with tankers piling up on both sides. After deliveries from Qatar were suspended the price of liquefied natural gas (LNG) on the Amsterdam stock exchange jumped from below 32 euros on Friday to more than 62 euros per megawatt hour on Tuesday. Europe's press looks at the short-, medium- and long-term consequences.

Europe is casting about for an appropriate response to the US and Israeli attacks on Iran. Germany, France and the UK have criticised Tehran's counter-strikes on countries in the region, while the EU has called on all sides to show restraint. "The developments in Iran are extremely worrying," EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said. Commentators are more vocal.