Czech President Petr Pavel called for the US to treat its European allies fairly, refuting accusations that they failed to support Washington's actions in Iran. "European nations face blame for not providing support, but how can we do that when we were not invited to participate from the outset?", Pavel stated on 2/5. He emphasized that US leaders must understand European allies "are not enemies", even amidst disagreements. "We are on the same side. We seek fair treatment, and I believe that if European countries were involved from the outset, they would certainly be more willing to contribute", he added.

Pavel's comments follow President Donald Trump's repeated criticism of NATO allies. After the US-Israel offensive against Iran in late February, Trump accused these allies of opposition rather than support for Washington's actions. He also threatened to withdraw US troops from Germany, Italy, and Spain after their leaders voiced opposition to the conflict.

The Czech leader further emphasized that European countries were not initially treated as allies, then unjustly labeled "cowards", leading to feelings of "unfair" treatment. "We must engage as equals, not as a dependent party", he urged.

Czech president Petr Pavel in Vilnius, Lithuania on 12/3. Photo: AFP

The US appears intent on pressuring allies who neither support its conflict with Iran nor participate in efforts to unblock and patrol the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global shipping lane currently controlled by Tehran. Reuters reported last week, citing an unnamed US official, that the Pentagon explored options for sanctioning NATO allies considered "uncooperative with Washington" in the Iran campaign.

In a related development, European Union (EU) leaders convened a summit last month in the Republic of Cyprus, discussing Article 42.7, a provision seldom invoked. This article mandates that EU member states have an "obligation to aid and assist by all means in their power" if a member state faces an attack from a foreign government or non-state entity.

By Thanh Tam (Source: The Hill)