Pezeshkian Says Europe Lost Global Influence by Aligning With U.S.

Shiite News: Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has criticized what he described as Europe’s passive approach toward the United States, saying that European countries’ alignment with U.S. policies has weakened their ability to influence international developments.

Pezeshkian made the remarks during a meeting with European Council President António Costa on the sidelines of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. According to reports, he criticized Europe’s position on the snapback mechanism and the 2015 Iran nuclear deal, arguing that European policies had reduced the continent’s international influence.

Referring to comments by NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte regarding European assistance to the United States during the recent conflict, Pezeshkian said Iran expected European countries to maintain their independence. He said Iran had witnessed inaction from Europe during the conflict rather than neutrality.

During the meeting, Costa emphasized the need for a European role in addressing regional issues. Pezeshkian responded that Europe’s alignment with Washington had limited its ability to play such a role.

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Pezeshkian also argued that regional security should primarily be addressed by countries in the region, saying that Western intervention had adversely affected both regional and wider international security.