Rob Schmitz

The three leaders said in a statement that they would take steps to defend their interests and those of allies in the region, potentially using missiles and drones to do so.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has called on Iran to ditch its authoritarian Islamist constitution and make what she called a credible transition to democracy after U.S.

and Israeli strikes killed the country's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has warned that the strikes on Iran risk another Iraq or Afghanistan-style quagmire that could have consequences in Europe, but said Berlin will not lecture Washington as it seeks U.S.

help to end the war in Ukraine.

Rob Schmitz, NPR News, Berlin.

The three leaders said in a statement that they would take steps to defend their interests and those of allies in the region, potentially using missiles and drones to do so.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has called on Iran to ditch its authoritarian Islamist constitution and make what she called a credible transition to democracy after U.S.

and Israeli strikes killed the country's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has warned that the strikes on Iran risk another Iraq or Afghanistan-style quagmire that could have consequences in Europe, but said Berlin will not lecture Washington as it seeks U.S.

help to end the war in Ukraine.

Rob Schmitz, NPR News, Berlin.

Germany's foreign ministry said it was informed in advance of the attack on Iran.

In a joint statement, France, Germany, and the United Kingdom stressed they did not participate in the strikes by the U.S.

and Israel, and they condemned Iran's counterattacks, urging Tehran to seek what they called a negotiated solution.

The joint statement drew a blistering response from Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, who accused Western Europe of having gone pathetically soft and urged them to back efforts to confront Tehran.

The sharp language highlights tensions in the transatlantic relationship as European leaders brace for a confrontation that could further strain Western unity in the days ahead.

Rob Schmitz, NPR News, Berlin.

Germany's foreign ministry said it was informed in advance of the attack on Iran.

In a joint statement, France, Germany, and the United Kingdom stressed they did not participate in the strikes by the U.S.