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.
Read the editorial in The Australian.