First the ruse: Europe still maintains the hope of being able to resurrect the failed nuclear agreement with Iran which eased sanctions against Tehran in exchange for authorization of international inspections of its nuclear activities. To keep the door open, European leaders, whose countries could also benefit from a resumption of trade with Iran, have been careful not to offend the regime. According to this logic, failure to express condolences for Raisi’s death would be considered an unnecessary provocation.
Leaving aside the continued viability of the nuclear deal at this point, it is worth recalling the details of Iran’s malign behavior, not only toward its own people and neighbors, but toward Europeans.
While Borrell (or one of his minions) was writing his condolence tweet, one of his diplomats, Johan Floderus, was locked up in Tehran’s notorious Evin prison, where he had spent the last two years. His crime? Visit Iran on vacation.
Iran officially accuses the Swede of “corruption on Earth,” a wide range of accusations that include allegations of spying on behalf of Israel.
In reality, he was simply taken hostage. Like Russia and other rogue countries, Iran has turned the taking of Westerners hostage into something of a cottage industry. He uses the hostages as a bargaining chip to obtain either the release of Iranian prisoners in the West or other concessions.
Just ask Michel, who was Belgian Prime Minister before becoming President of the Council.
Politices
