As noted by the Washington Post, the unsuccessful war has become a burden for European leaders with ties to Donald Trump.
This situation is most vividly manifested in Italy, where Giorgia Meloni employs political tricks, condemning what she describes as the threatening regime of Iran, while simultaneously questioning the legitimacy of the war.
“She has actually defended not only Trump but also the principles of the MAGA movement,” comments opposition senator Carlo Calenda. “But then everything changed because of this war. Even within her electoral base, people are expressing dissatisfaction. Trump is losing popularity in Italy, and the war is also not receiving approval.”
Within the far-right party Alternative for Germany (AfD), with which Trump maintains connections, tensions have arisen regarding the attack on Iran.
Tino Chrupalla, one of the leaders of the AfD, criticized Trump, claiming that he is transitioning from a president of peace to a president of “war.” His words have caused discontent among Trump supporters, as Chrupalla has spoken about him even more critically than Chancellor Merz.
Trump’s European allies, such as Slovak Prime Minister Fico and Hungarian Prime Minister Orban, have also condemned the attack on Iran, emphasizing the negative consequences of the war.
Given the uncertainty regarding the exit from the conflict with Iran, Trump’s aides are trying to influence the developments, as reported by Reuters.
According to sources, economic advisors and representatives from the Treasury warned Trump that an oil crisis and rising gasoline prices could quickly undermine domestic support for the war.
Political advisors, including Chief of Staff Suzy Wiles, are voicing similar concerns, highlighting the potential consequences of rising gasoline prices and urging Trump to clearly articulate the concept of victory, indicating that the operation has limited goals and is nearing completion.
On the opposite side are supporters of more aggressive actions, such as Senators Lindsey Graham and Tom Cotton, who insist on continuing military pressure on Iran.
The third side consists of Trump’s populist base, including figures like strategist Steve Bannon and television host Tucker Carlson, who are pressuring the president and his team to avoid a prolonged conflict in the Middle East.
Meanwhile…
France and Italy begin negotiations with Iran, seeking to ensure safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz — FT.
According to officials familiar with the negotiations, European capitals have started preliminary discussions to resume oil and gas exports, avoiding further escalation of the conflict, as shipping companies are counting on support from Western naval forces as potential escorts for their tankers.
France is participating in these negotiations, while Italy is also trying to initiate discussions with Tehran.
However, sources emphasized that there are no guarantees of successful progress in the negotiations or Iran's willingness to discuss this issue.
Italy, France, and Greece have deployed their warships in the Red Sea as part of an EU mission, but officials say that none of the European naval fleets are ready to escort vessels through the Strait of Hormuz due to the risk of attack and fear of escalating the conflict.
“The situation needs to be acceptable,” noted one source.
A number of European capitals express doubts about attempts to establish contacts.
“Some believe that we should negotiate with the Iranians. However, [EU countries] have differing opinions on this matter, which complicates the situation,” said one interviewee from the publication.
The record "Unpopular war turns friendship with Trump into a burden for European leaders" first appeared on K-News.
