Macron's Advisor: The Danger of US Sanctions is a Test for Defending Europe's Independence

An advisor to Emmanuel Macron, the President of France, stated on Monday that the threat of US sanctions against European companies dealing with Iran and the imposition of import tariffs on steel and aluminum by Washington is a test for defending Europe's independence and requires a decisive response. The advisor mentioned in a press conference, "This is an important test of the level of European independence. European decisiveness in this regard must be revived and strengthened." He added that French and European officials are examining various technical and legal issues to maintain economic transactions and financial connections with Iran and to protect these companies from the risk of US sanctions. According to a Reuters report, the President of France is expected to leverage the informal summit of European leaders taking place on Wednesday and Thursday in Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria, to emphasize the necessity of adopting a firm stance on these issues. The advisor further stated, "There is no sign of disagreement among EU member states on these issues. Everything indicates that Europe's position will be firm and united." Meanwhile, the foreign ministers of Britain and France stated on Monday that despite the US withdrawal from the JCPOA, they are "determined" to preserve the agreement. Jean-Yves Le Drian, the French Foreign Minister, during a visit to London, described the remarks of Ramzan Kadyrov, the leader of Chechnya, following a knife attack that occurred on Saturday in Paris, as "unacceptable." Kadyrov had claimed that France bears "full responsibility" for the attack. French police announced that the assailant was a French citizen of Chechen descent named Khamzan Azimov. Le Drian told AFP, "We do not need lessons from a dictator who does not respect the law in his own country. He also knows well that thousands of Chechens are fighting in the ranks of the so-called Islamic Caliphate." The assailant attacked a large number of people with a knife in a crowded area in central Paris on Saturday evening, resulting in one death and four serious injuries. Police shot the assailant. Le Drian commented after discussions with British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson regarding the 2015 nuclear agreement between Iran and world powers. Under this agreement, Iran agreed to limit its nuclear activities in exchange for the lifting of international sanctions and to allow inspectors from the International Atomic Energy Agency to inspect all centers and facilities related to these activities. Le Drian stated, "Our position is one of determination and unity to preserve this agreement. The US withdrawal from an international treaty does not mean that the treaty is nullified and worthless." A meeting between the Iranian Foreign Minister and the foreign ministers of Britain, France, and Germany is scheduled for Tuesday in Brussels. The French Foreign Minister added in London, "We will remain in this agreement, and as long as Iran adheres to it, we want to keep it alive." He stated that this agreement is beneficial for both sides and added, "Our position aligns with that of the German government." Boris Johnson, the British Foreign Secretary, also stated, "France and Britain are determined to preserve the essence of the nuclear agreement with Iran." He added, "We will discuss ways to assist British and European companies in continuing their transactions with Iran in Brussels tomorrow." Johnson noted, "I do not intend to pretend that it will be easy, but we are determined to do it. However, ongoing dialogue and cooperation with the US on this matter is vital." Mohammad Javad Zarif, the Iranian Foreign Minister, stated on Monday in Moscow that he seeks guarantees from the signatories of the agreement to adhere to their commitments, especially regarding the lifting of sanctions on Iran. Zarif had traveled to Beijing for talks with Chinese officials before heading to Moscow.