US-Iran Conflict Fuels Divisions Within NATO, Media Reports

Moscow (ANTARA) - The conflict between the United States and Iran is sharpening differences of opinion within NATO, as many European allies are not prepared to support possible alliance military involvement on the American side.

This was stated by a European source from diplomatic circles to RIA Novosti on Thursday.

“The US-Iran conflict is dividing NATO, because many European members of the alliance refuse to become involved either in confrontation with Iran or in directly supporting US military operations in the Strait of Hormuz, and prefer a diplomatic approach,” the source said.

“For a number of European NATO members, especially the United Kingdom, Poland and the Baltic countries, the Russia-Ukraine conflict remains the more important issue and takes priority,” the source added.

Meanwhile, several issues concerning Iran and shipping activity in the Strait of Hormuz were also among the main topics discussed at the NATO summit in Türkiye.

Earlier on Wednesday, US forces launched a series of heavy strikes against Iran.

In response, the Iranian military reported that it had carried out counter-attacks against US bases in Bahrain and Kuwait, whilst Iranian authorities accused Washington of violating the memorandum on ending hostilities.