Every country that has rejected Donald Trump’s call to join the war against Iran – and one surprising country that agreed

Rising tensions over U.S. policy toward Iran once again show that even strong allies do not always act in unison. In the case of the proposed “Operation Epic Fury,” efforts by Donald Trump to form a wider coalition have met noticeable hesitation.

Across Europe, reactions range from caution to outright refusal. The United Kingdom, traditionally a close partner of Washington, has ruled out taking part in expanded military action, with Keir Starmer stressing that Britain would avoid deeper involvement while remaining open to diplomacy.

Other major European countries share similar views. Italy has indicated no intention of joining militarily, while Germany has firmly rejected participation. Chancellor Friedrich Merz made it clear that no collective agreement to intervene had ever been reached.

German officials have also raised strategic concerns. Defence Minister Boris Pistorius questioned both the purpose and likely effectiveness of the plan, suggesting that large-scale military action may not solve deeper issues.

Several other European nations—including the Netherlands, Lithuania, Estonia, and Greece—have either declined or expressed uncertainty. Many are wary of escalation, particularly in sensitive regions like the Strait of Hormuz.

The reluctance extends beyond Europe. Countries such as Australia, South Korea, and Japan have not committed to military support, though some remain open to discussion. Australia, in particular, has clearly ruled out sending forces to the region.

Meanwhile, China remains an uncertain player, while Ukraine has shown willingness to assist in limited ways. Overall, a gap persists between U.S. expectations and allied responses, leaving the situation uncertain as diplomatic and political factors continue to shape decisions.