EU Divided on Iran Response

0:00On March 6, Europe's top diplomat has admitted the European Union is deeply split on how to respond to the escalating Iran crisis. Divisions between major countries like Spain, Germany and France have boiled over publicly, complicating a unified stance after recent military, actions involving the U.S. and Israel. Officials have struggled in recent days to craft a response, facing criticism for a slow start. The EU Commission chief drew ridicule for delaying an emergency meeting until Monday, and when a special committee finally gathered, it lacked the authority to guide member states on their positions. Countries remain at odds over military involvement, too. Germany has strongly supported the U.S. and Israeli moves, labeling Iran a terrorist state, while France views them as a violation of international law, and refuses approval. Spain has aligned with France, even barring U.S. aircraft from its bases, prompting President Donald Trump to threaten cutting off all trade with. Madrid.

1:00No coordinated EU effort to evacuate citizens from the region has launched yet, so individual governments are handling their own operations. Germany's leaders stood firm on backing U.S. goals during a Washington visit, refusing to defend Spain. EU leaders are now focusing on diplomacy to resolve the conflict, but sources say the block is still tangled in disagreements as talks continue. EU leaders are now focusing on diplomacy to resolve the conflict, but sources say the block is still tangled in disagreements as talks continue.