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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
National
Lorne Cook

Europe defends military bases and struggles to evacuate citizens as it is drawn into the war on Iran

Lebanon Israel Iran US - (Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)

The U.S.-Israeli war on Iran and Tehran’s retaliatory strikes across the Middle East are quickly dragging Europe in, forcing the continent into defensive action to protect military bases and evacuate citizens caught up in the conflict.

The Middle East is home to some of Europe's key trading partners, and a number of strategic trading routes. Many Europeans live in cities such as Beirut, Dubai or Jerusalem, while large communities from countries including Turkey, Egypt and the Gulf states have settled across Europe. Europeans weren’t consulted on this U.S.-Israeli operation but are now dealing with the fallout.

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