Iran at a dangerous crossroads

Iran’s ruling ayatollahs would reap a substantial win if Europe refuses to support Donald Trump’s attempts to “snap back” global sanctions against the Tehran regime with its record of supporting terrorism. With China and Russia poised to supply Iran with advanced military equipment when the UN-mandated international arms embargo lapses on October 18, the UK, France and Germany, signatories to the Iran nuclear deal, need to consider US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo’s criticisms that their failure of leadership amount to their “siding with the ayatollahs”. Washington’s UN ambassador, Kelly Craft, has warned that “Iran’s access to combat aircraft, attack helicopters, warships, tanks, missile systems and other advanced weapons is about to be unlocked”. Given Iran’s aggressive intentions in Iraq, Yemen, Lebanon and Syria, the effects could be significant. It could also enhance the existential threat Iran poses to Israel.

In a UN Security Council vote last week, the UK, France and Germany declined to support a US resolution calling for an extension of the 2007 arms embargo imposed on Iran. In an embarrassing defeat, only the Dominican Republic supported Washington. China and Russia voted no but effectively received support from 11 abstaining UNSC members, including the three European signatories to the nuclear deal, as well as well as NATO ally Belgium, Estonia, Indonesia and South Africa.

Mr Trump then turned to Plan B, invoking the “snapback” mechanism in the 2015 nuclear deal negotiated by Barack Obama. This allows the US to insist on the immediate reimposition of sanctions if Iran is judged to be acting “in significant non-performance” of the deal. But in a decision that reveals the extent to which the Western alliance is fractured over Iran, the UK, France and Germany are refusing to support “snapback” and reject the notion that the US has a right to seek reimposition of sanctions. Western strategic interests dictate that the free world helps ensure that Iran’s malevolent rulers are prevented from getting major new weapons stockpiles.