‘Europe isn't US vassal’, European nations adopt an aggressive stance over Iran nuclear deal

Paris: There is no need for Europe to accept the United States as the “economic policeman of the world” and it is not US’s vassal, warned France sternly. Strongly opposing the US decision on the issue of Iran nuclear deal, the European countries, Russia and Turkey have hinted to make an independent move. French President Emmanuel Macron had warned earlier that exiting the Iran nuclear deal ‘could mean war’.

US President Donald Trump had taken the decision to withdraw from the Iran nuclear deal on Tuesday. Prior to this decision, the UK, France and Germany had appealed to the US President to change his stance. However, Trump remained firm on his stance and announced to exit the Iran nuclear deal. Fierce reactions have been emerging at an international level over this and except Israel, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE); all other prominent countries have initiated their efforts to sustain the nuclear deal.

On Friday, the French Finance Minister made aggressive statements and indicated clearly that Europe will not bow down to the United States. ‘Neither Europe should accept the United States as the “world’s economic policeman” nor should it act as US “vassal”, clinging to the hem of its trousers. Europe should decide to continue its trade with Iran, protecting its economic interests,’ Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire urged Europe to adopt an independent stance.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian also warned US that France will not accept the US decision to impose sanctions on Iran. He further asserted that European nations will try and do everything to protect their interest with Iran whereas German Chancellor Angela Merkel assuming a cautious role on the issue clarified that the US withdrawal should not be questioned.

While Europe has been indicating aggression against the United States, countries such as Russia and Turkey have also rejected the US decision on the Iran deal. It has come to the fore that Turkish President Recep Erdogan has discussed this issue with Russian President Vladimir Putin. At the time, considering the US decision incorrect, the two leaders have unanimously agreed to make efforts to continue the accord with Iran, informed sources. Turkish Economy Minister too vowing to continue its trade with Iran supported its relations stating ‘Strong Iran means Strong Turkey’.

Meanwhile, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani reacting to the conflict between Iran and Israel has said that Iran does not want “new tensions” in the Middle East. At the same time, to gain backing from the international community for the nuclear deal, Iran’s Foreign Minister Javad Zarif will embark on an international tour from Saturday to visit Russia, China and Europe.