Javad Kachooeeyan told the Strategic Council on Foreign Relations that Europe has always utilized its soft and normative power to strengthen its actions and put pressure on Iran.

He said Europe had a coordinating but not determining role in the conclusion of the JCPOA and is presently using such capacities in this role to put pressure on Iran during the Biden tenure.

The necessity of presenting calculated and interactive solutions in relations with Europe

Referring to the highs and lows in the relations between Iran and Europe during the past four decades, he said Iran and Europe, despite structural conflicts, cultural differences and distinctions in values and rather different views on issues such as security, justice, freedom, human rights and terrorism enjoy high capacities for inclusive bilateral, regional and international cooperation. In fact, there are many opportunities in addition to challenges in the relations between Iran and Europe which could be properly exploited with the presentation of calculated and interactive solutions.

Challenges should be managed and opportunities exploited.

Kachooeeyan said dialog and negotiation with Europe should be planned, purposeful, smart and from the position of dignity and prosperity and within the framework of the interests and expedience of Iran and with the careful knowledge of policies, goals, capacities and capabilities of the other party.

Referring to the capacities of Iran and Europe for constructive cooperation and continued consultation on the basis of mutual respect and common interests, he lambasted the selective approach of Europe which aims at gaining one-sided interests.

“Europe’s performance in relation to the nuclear deal, the missile program, Middle East issues and the influence of Iran as well as Europe’s alignment with the United States in imposing unilateral sanctions are parts of the challenges in the relations between Iran and Europe.”

This analyst of international relations said Europe is imposing double standards by misusing the power of politics in issues such as migrants, democracy, basic freedoms and human rights, adding that Europe’s support for the MKO terrorists and its misguided and sometimes interventionist policies against Iran are other challenges between Iran and Europe.

He said the Zionist lobby and influence of the Zionist regime and some other countries on Europe and the European Union, Islamophobia, Iranophobia and media misrepresentation of developments in Iran constitute other challenges in the relations between Iran and Europe.

Referring to the recent movements and positions of the European Union and questionable remarks of the authorities of Germany, France and Britain on Iran, he said “Europe has in its agenda the control of Iran’s nuclear and missile program as well as the rising influence of Iran in the Middle East. Any flexibility and probable leniency against the illegitimate demands of European powers would embolden them to reach their untrue demands.”

This analyst of international relations emphasized that the two parties should consider opportunities for the enhancement of relations. Issues such as energy, the fight against drugs, developments in the Middle East, the fight against terrorism and extremism, enjoyment of advanced technologies in various areas are avenues of closer cooperation between Iran and Europe.

He said Iran should be considering making balance in its foreign relations with all the countries in various political, economic, commercial, regional and international domains.

Détente and confidence-building would result in purposeful interaction between Iran and Europe

Kachooeeyan said Iran is seeking a smart and purposeful interaction with Europe and relations proportionate with and on the basis of potential and realizable elements, adding that the two sides should consider détente and confidence building while Iran should not turn into an anti-security target of Europe.

This former diplomat said changes in the power structure of the United States would have global consequences and impacts. Europe will be also affected by these changes.

“The United States and Europe enjoy common interests and values and also common challenges imposed by China and Russia. The United States, in order to combat its geopolitical challenges, is in need of especially Europe’s normative and soft power. Europe is also benefiting from the hard power of the United States especially in important security and defensive sectors.”

He added that in the Western liberal democracy system, Iran as well as China and Russia have been described and recognized as enemies and their present goal is to maintain and continue pressure on Iran in order to influence the next presidential elections and increase pressure on the people and government.

He said that Brexi created a gap in the cohesion and solidarity of Europe, adding that “Europe considers the victory of Biden as an opportunity to revive itself and play its role as a powerful bloc of power in important regional and international issues. However, given the dependency of Europe on America especially in defensive and security fields which has prevented it from playing an independent role, as well as the strong commercial links between them, relations between the United States and Europe and Europe’s relations with other countries have been always affected by domestic developments inside the United States.”

Iran’s relations with Europe influenced by the relations between the US and Europe

“The experience of forty years of relations and cooperation between Europe and Iran is indicative of the fact that these relations have been influenced by the relationship between the US and Europe. The analyses and assessments of European think tanks and research institutes indicate that dependency of Europe on the United States would prevent an independent role-playing by Europe in regional and global issues.”

Kachooeeyan added that the behavior of Europe towards Iran during the four years of Trump administration had no outcome but words and void promises and useless statements.

“The behavior and performance of Europe concerning Iran during the Biden tenure would not have much difference in approach as Biden emphasizes on the continuation of the policies of Trump as a leverage in negotiations. In this respect, the support provided by Europe for the policies and measures of the United States towards Iran would continue and this will only result in the US exploitation of Europe in the case of Iran.”

Probability of creation of obstacle on the way of implementing the JCPOA by Europe

This expert of international issues reminded that the return of Iran to its commitments in the JCPOA is tied to the practical lifting of US sanctions. He said if this happens, and if an agreement is made between Iran and the United States within the framework of the JCPOA, Europe will have no choice but to admit the deal and agreement even though Europe might create some obstacles and propose oppositions like the previous round of talks in order to attract the satisfaction and interests of countries that are opposed to the nuclear deal such as Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Bahrain as well as the Zionist regime.

He said Europe welcomes the US return to the JCPOA however it may adopt a harsher stance towards other issues of difference with Iran such as human rights issues, the rights of persons with dual citizenship, democracy, non-proliferation, terrorism, extremism and regional security.