Pompeo says Europe should play a larger role if military action against Iran resumes

Former U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said he hopes European countries will take a greater role if military action against Iran resumes, arguing that confronting Tehran and its regional allies should not fall primarily on the United States and its Middle Eastern partners.

Speaking to Al Arabiya English, Pompeo said renewed military pressure on Iran would require broader international participation and expressed hope that European governments would contribute more if another phase of fighting begins.

He also argued that removing Iran’s leadership would make it easier to confront the Houthi movement in Yemen, linking the group’s military capabilities and regional reach directly to Tehran.

Pompeo described the Houthis as a “very difficult problem” and said they represent a regional and global challenge rather than an issue affecting Saudi Arabia alone.

He said defeating the group would require additional military action and argued that such a confrontation was “seven years late” or perhaps “17 years late.”

Pompeo also called the Houthis “stupid,” while saying their attacks on shipping and regional targets had demonstrated the broader security threat they pose.

Asked about Israel’s inconclusive election, Pompeo said he did not expect the result to change the trajectory of policy toward Iran regardless of who ultimately becomes prime minister.

His remarks come as Washington and Tehran continue indirect diplomatic contacts while the United States and Israel prepare for the possibility of renewed military operations if negotiations fail.