European officials have expressed concern that recent U.S. airstrikes on Iran's nuclear facilities have intensified political tensions in Tehran and strengthened the belief among Iranian leaders that possessing the capability to develop a nuclear bomb is the most effective deterrent. According to reports from the Wall Street Journal and the Washington Post, these attacks may have inadvertently incentivized Iran to pursue a nuclear weapon in secret. While European countries continue to push for renewed nuclear negotiations with Iran, they acknowledge that the chances of reaching an agreement remain slim. European officials emphasize that a diplomatic deal is essential to contain Iran's nuclear program and maintain oversight, as they believe the program has been damaged but not destroyed. The situation reflects ongoing concerns about Iran's nuclear ambitions amid heightened geopolitical tensions.