Harsh divisions have emerged between Ursula von der Leyen and the second most powerful official in the European Commission over US strikes on Iran.

Mrs von der Leyen, the Commission’s president, has offered tentative support for Mr Trump’s military campaign, despite concerns of its compatibility with international law.

In a speech on Monday, she said: “You will hear different views about whether the conflict in Iran is a war of choice or a war of necessity. But I believe this debate partly misses the point.”

“Europe can no longer be a custodian for the old-world order,” she added. “We can no longer rely on it as the only way to defend our interests.”

However, Teresa Ribera, a Commission executive vice-president, issued a very public rebuttal to her position.

The Spaniard told journalists: “I think that it is fair to say that maybe it was not the most adequate manner to express herself.

“Yes, she is fully committed of course to the international order.”

She added: “To me it is key to defend, to stress, to underline that international law is a key element of building the European project.”

These tensions mimic a diplomatic row between Germany and Spain, after Friedrich Merz refused to confront Mr Trump’s criticism of Pedro Sanchez, Spanish prime minister, over his opposition to the war.