Iran should take the diplomatic path to address allegations of its involvement in assassination plots in European countries, as heightened tensions with any of them could negatively affect its overall relations with the continent and play into the hands of ill-wishers, a political analyst said.
“With regard to accusations of terrorism, Tehran has to thwart White House efforts that are potentially aimed at damaging and creating tensions in Iran-Europe relations through diplomatic channels,” Ali Bigdeli told the Iranian Diplomacy website in a recent interview when asked about an escalating diplomatic spat between Iran and the Netherlands.
On March 4, the Dutch government recalled its ambassador to Iran for consultations after diplomats at its embassy in Tehran were expelled.
The move came two months after the Netherlands accused Iran of being behind political killings on its soil that triggered new European Union sanctions against Tehran.
The Iranian ambassador to the Netherlands was summoned to the Foreign Ministry in The Hague to explain the expulsions, which Dutch Foreign Minister Stef Blok said in a letter to parliament “is not acceptable and is negative for the development of bilateral relations”. Iran has denied any involvement in the alleged plots on European soil.
Bigdeli, a university professor and an expert on international affairs, believes the allegations are part of a preplanned scenario orchestrated by Israel’s intelligence agencies but says Iran’s response would determine how this “Iranophobia and propaganda campaign” will unfold.
“A decision by Tehran to repeat what happened in its relationship with the Netherlands instead of managing tensions would unfortunately give an excuse to the United States, Saudi Arabia and Israel—who enjoy the support of some European countries—to take advantage of these terrorist allegations and eventually persuade Germany, France and Britain to take further measures against Iran,” he said.
Economic Benefits
The political expert said Iran cannot afford to lose its major European partners, particularly now that Berlin, Paris and London have set preconditions for the development of a newly-launched special purpose vehicle that aims to counter the impact of US sanctions on Iran and save the nuclear deal that world powers signed with the Islamic Republic.
The three European powers have been at loggerheads with the US over Iran since US President Donald Trump withdrew from the nuclear deal in May and imposed what he has described as the “toughest ever” sanctions on the country.
However, they have said Iran’s compliance with global anti-money laundering and terrorism financing standards is key, if it wants to see INSTEX or Instrument in Support of Trade Exchanges broaden its scope. The Paris-based Financial Action Task Force has given Iran until June to introduce the required reforms.
"The adoption of related bills can help defuse tensions. It could help create a positive atmosphere in Iran-Europe ties,” he said.
“On the other hand, Tehran has to make the necessary clarifications concerning terrorism accusations so that it can hold European countries accountable rather than having to take a passive stance and get blamed.”
Bigdeli maintains that a “flexible and wise” diplomacy can steer bilateral relations on to a smooth and peaceful trajectory.
“However, we have to accept that diplomacy is not a solitary game and collective interests should be considered. So, Tehran needs to make concessions in exchange for [European] compromises,” he said.
