Starmer/Macron/Merz joint statement: "Iran pursuing scorched earth strategy" — EU3 ready to "take action"

The leaders of the UK, France, and Germany (E3) issued a joint statement on March 1: "We did not participate in these strikes, and we will not join offensive action now." "But Iran is pursuing a scorched earth strategy, so we are supporting the collective self-defence of our allies and our people in the region." "Iran must cease its arbitrary military strikes." "We call on Iran to seek a negotiated solution." "We will take steps to defend our interests and those of our allies in the region, potentially through enabling necessary and proportionate defensive action to destroy Iran's capability to fire missiles and drones at their source." The statement was signed by: • PM Keir Starmer (UK) • President Emmanuel Macron (France) • Chancellor Friedrich Merz (Germany) Starmer's separate statement (gov.uk, 1 March 2026): "We all remember the mistakes of Iraq. And we have learned those lessons." "It is my duty to protect British lives." "Iran's attacks have targeted allies and are threatening our service personnel and civilians across the region." UK actions: • RAF jets are flying defensive missions. • US authorized to use RAF Akrotiri (Cyprus) and RAF Fairford for defensive operations. • UK characterized its support as defensive — not joining offensive action. Erdogan separately spoke with MBS, expressing concern that "unless the necessary intervention is made" the conflict could have "serious" regional and global implications.