In a stunning display of diplomatic optimism that may or may not be tethered to reality, Donald Trump has declared there is a “very good chance” of striking a deal to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon. The US president claimed Gulf states asked him to delay planned strikes on Iran because “they think they are close to making a deal.” Sure, buddy.
Meanwhile, the UAE is blaming Iran or its proxies for a drone strike that caused a fire near a nuclear plant. Nothing says “we’re close to a deal” like setting fire to the neighborhood’s most sensitive infrastructure.
Friedrich Merz, who apparently drew the short straw in the “who gets to feud with Donald Trump” lottery, has been embroiled in a row with the US president over his war on Iran. The German chancellor suggested Trump’s team was being outplayed in its negotiations with Tehran and even advised his own children against studying or working in the US “in the current climate.” That’s one way to thin out the study-abroad program.
The Guardian’s Berlin correspondent, Deborah Cole, notes that disputes over trade and military aid for Ukraine have fueled tensions between the US and its European allies, testing the Nato alliance. Merz, meanwhile, is struggling to revive an anaemic German economy - because adding a Middle East crisis on top of everything else is just what Europe needed.
The statement from European leaders is clear: “We strongly condemn the renewed Iranian airstrikes against the United Arab Emirates and other partners. Attacks on nuclear facilities pose a threat to the safety of people throughout the entire region. There must be no further escalation of violence.” They also demand that Iran “enter into serious negotiations with the USA, stop threatening its neighbours, and open the strait of Hormuz without restrictions.” Because asking nicely always works with folks who just bombed a nuclear plant.
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