EU chief Jean-Claude Juncker has attacked the US for turning its back on its allies and says Europe must take America’s place as global leader after Donald Trump’s decision to pull out of the Iran nuclear deal.
The EU Commission President said America ‘no longer wants to cooperate’ with other parts of the world and is turning away from friendly relations ‘with a ferocity that can only surprise us.’
Trump has sparked fury in Tehran by withdrawing from the accord with politicians burning the US flag and the country’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei warning that ‘America can’t do a damn thing’.
As European powers scrambled to salvage the agreement today, Juncker said it was up to the EU to take on the mantle of the US, adding: ‘At this point, we have to replace the United States, which as an international actor has lost vigor, and because of it, in the long term, influence.’
Russian President Vladimir Putin said he was seriously concerned and would be discussing the ‘acute’ situation.
However, US Defense Secretary Jim Mattis insisted today that America will continue to work with allies to ensure that Iran does not acquire a nuclear weapon – despite Trump’s announcement yesterday.
Russia more trustworthy than USA to the german people now, for the first time ever
Merkel: Europe can no longer rely on US to ‘protect’ it
www.straitstimes.com/world/europe/europe-can-no-longer-rely-on-us-to-protect-it-merkel
Driving Germany into Chinese and Russian arms – German state media Deutsche Welle
Germany will meet with China & Russia to discuss how to save the deal.
German companies will investe in Iran and stay there, although US sanctions may be imposed.
Germany’s VDMA engineering association said on Tuesday that as long as the European Union does not reactivate sanctions against Iran, German companies can legally do business with Iran and the VDMA will support them in that.
mobile.nytimes.com/reuters/2018/05/08/world/middleeast/08reuters-iran-nuclear-germany-vdma.html
h/t Cartel