“Not our war”? Trump's European critics are wrong. Iran also threatens us

Ashley Davis30/03/2026

0 54 4 minutes read

Recently, home-grown strategists at tables in pubs and in many editorial offices seem to know perfectly well how stupid and ill-considered the American action in Iran is, and they are happy to give advice on what should have been predicted earlier and done differently. This is extremely naivebecause it assumes that what we see and know exactly corresponds to what is actually happening and has been planned.

Meanwhile – as in every war – this is almost certainly not the case. After all, it would be absurd to discuss war and intelligence strategies publicly and to the delight of the enemy. All we really know is that in these types of situations we only know a fraction of the truth.

And this fraction of the truth is this the American government is finally trying to weaken the terrorist power of the ayatollahs using military force. And this is not only right, but also long overdue.

For over 45 years, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has terrorized the free world. His goal is not only the annihilation of Israel and all Jews, but also destruction of the open societythis – in their eyes – godless, decadent and libertarian democracy. Our lifestyle. Our safety. Our interests.

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For decades, ayatollahs have been murdering women who they believe are without honor (because they do not wear veils) and homosexual people. Above all, though They systematically kill their own citizenswhen they dare to express their opinion, as well as political opponents – recently probably over 30,000. oppositionists within a few days.

The regime in Tehran organizes violence in the international arena just as ruthlessly and efficiently. With its terrorist networks – from Hamas to Hezbollah and the Houthis – the dictatorship of the ayatollahs is the most effective and cruel source of terror in the world. They also operate in European societies, deliberately spreading hatred and violence to undermine our democratic foundations and strengthen extremist movements.

For years, the Iranian aggressor, which is an existential threat to us, has been systematically working on nuclear weapons. So far, no treaty, no appeal for peace, no presidential handshake has stopped him.

For 45 years, Western politicians have hesitated to take effective action against this terror state that murders its own citizens and destabilizes open societies. What holds the West back is the fear of the law of the stronger. Accepting this right not only contradicts civilizational values. The idea of the rule of law in a civilized society always protects the weaker – as long as he obeys the law – against a stronger law-breaker.

Fear of the power of a regime built on injustice is also simply wrong. Iran is not stronger yet. It will only become like this when it acquires nuclear weapons. Then it will really be too late. Currently – not yet.

Now we have to stick together

Against this background, one could only applaud the fact that the United States and Israel were finally taking action together to weaken this regime — it is in line with our European and democratic interests.

Smoke and flames rise from an oil storage facility after American and Israeli attacks. Tehran, March 7, 2026Sasan/Middle East Image/ABACAPRESS.COM / PAP

Is the goal to change power, get rid of 400 kg of enriched uranium, dismantle the hydra-like network of ayatollah elites, precipitate a coup through social rebellion, or a combination of these elements? I can't judge this. Some say this has already been achieved first major goal: Iran was set back years. We gained at least one thing: time.

Despite all the uncertainty, I am convinced of one thing: in such a breakthrough situation, when Americans are once again pulling chestnuts out of the fire for Europe, we should act in solidarity. Therefore, I am also sure that from Europe's point of view, it is not wise to undermine the efforts of the US government.

“This is not our war” – such a statement is both wrong and strategically shortsighted. Because of course this is also our war. In fact, it is our war much more than the Americans' war. The infiltration of European societies by Islamist networks has gone further and is more acute than in the United States. Moreover, solidarity with the existentially threatened Israel should be much stronger, especially in Germany, than in the USA.

However, even if someone believes that this is not our war, or feels rightly disappointed that he was not informed about the plans in time – even then, there is no reason to make this criticism public.

The only reason to do so results from internal political calculations – to gain favor from circles in which the aversion to Donald Trump is greater than a healthy sense of self-interest. There is almost a sense of satisfaction in these circles when Americans fail at something.

Regardless of whether this phrase about “not our war” appears in Germany, Finland or anywhere else in Europe – it harms us all. First, because – as shown above – it is objectively untrue. Secondly, because gives encouragement to a common enemy. Thirdly, because emotionally it easily leads to weakening solidarity with Americans.

Donald Trump, president of the United States, has the balcony of the White House. Washington, March 27, 2026EPA/SHAWN THEW / POOL / PAP

Their logic is as simple as it is understandable. If the war in Iran is not a European affair, then the war in Ukraine is not an American affair. Then Europeans should deal with it themselves. Ukraine and the Russian aggressor in Moscow are much more distant to Washington – mentally and geographically – than the ayatollahs and their terror are from Berlin or Paris.

Europe alone cannot cope

Instead of constructively looking behind the scenes for the best solution and course of action – this used to be called diplomacy – show disputes are conducted in front of everyone. We will have to pay a high price for this unnecessary rhetoric of wounded pride, which only serves to applaud in our own backyard.

Because subsequent American governments will also remember this lack of solidarity. If in the future we have to face Islamism directed from Tehran and imperial aggression from Moscow alone, Europe will face an overload.

For 80 years, we have been united and protected by a community of transatlantic interests. No matter how complex, shaky or difficult the American administration has been, in decisive moments, the sense of community always prevailed. Now Europe only thinks about its own interests. In fact, he doesn't even think about it. European leaders prefer to distance their partners even further by giving public lectures. This is not in our interest.

Ashley Davis30/03/2026

0 54 4 minutes read