Allies Urged to Join Fight Against Iran's Aggression

Even opponents of the war have a stake in limiting Iran's ability to terrorize the region and the world.

Apr. 5, 2026 at 7:03am

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Bret Stephens argues that even the most vocal opponents of the U.S. and Israel's war against Iran should support efforts to prevent the regime in Tehran from continuing to threaten its neighbors and the global order. He suggests that ending the conflict without fully reopening the Strait of Hormuz would be a mistake, as it would embolden Iran. Stephens calls on America's allies in Europe and the Gulf to take a more active role in confronting Iran's aggression.

Why it matters

Iran's missile strikes and other attacks on its neighbors, as well as its nuclear ambitions, pose a serious threat to regional and global stability. Allowing Iran to emerge from the conflict unscathed would undermine efforts to curb its malign influence and embolden the regime to continue its destabilizing behavior.

The details

Stephens argues that even opponents of the war should support efforts to limit Iran's ability to terrorize its region and the world. He suggests that ending the conflict without fully reopening the Strait of Hormuz would be a mistake, as it would embolden Iran. Stephens calls on America's allies in Europe and the Gulf to take a more active role in confronting Iran's aggression, noting that countries like Germany and the UAE have been reluctant to assist U.S. efforts against Iran.

  • In June, Israel attacked Iran's military and nuclear sites.
  • In January, the UAE announced it would not allow its airspace, territory or ports to be used for an attack on Iran.
  • Since then, Iran has hit UAE targets with hundreds of ballistic missiles, cruise missiles and drones.

The players

Donald Trump

The former U.S. president who initiated the current conflict with Iran.

Boris Pistorius

The German defense minister who said 'This is not our war.'

Friedrich Merz

The German chancellor who previously acknowledged that Israel's attacks on Iran were 'dirty work that Israel is doing for all of us.'

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What they’re saying

“When someone like Boris Pistorius, the German defense minister, says, 'This is not our war,' the appropriate response is: Are you serious?”

— Bret Stephens, Columnist

“In January, the United Arab Emirates announced in no uncertain terms that it would not allow its airspace, territory or ports to be used for an attack on Iran.”

— Bret Stephens, Columnist

What’s next

The administration is reportedly considering a strategy of boarding and seizing Iranian oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz to pressure Tehran, rather than a direct military assault on Iranian territory.

The takeaway

Even those opposed to the current administration's handling of the conflict with Iran should recognize the broader strategic imperative of preventing Iran from further destabilizing the region and threatening global security. Allies in Europe and the Gulf must be willing to take a more active role in confronting Iran's aggression.