**European governments have so far limited their response to Iran's hybrid threats and the broader regional conflict to diplomatic condemnation, naval protection missions, and enhanced counter-intelligence efforts rather than direct offensive military action.** A joint statement issued on 12 October 2026 by numerous EU states plus the UK, US, Canada, and others strongly condemned Iranian plotting, sabotage, and proxy attacks, including the September incident at RAF Fairford, while pledging coordinated investigations and prosecutions. European leaders continue to prioritize strengthening existing operations such as Aspides and a French-led multinational effort to secure the Strait of Hormuz, while explicitly declining to join US-led strikes or broader combat operations against Iran. Iran has warned that any European defensive involvement would be treated as co-belligerence. Ongoing US-Iran talks and internal European constraints on military resources further reduce near-term prospects for offensive European participation, though persistent hybrid incidents or direct threats to NATO territory could prompt shifts in posture.