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“ Deep and serious”
One top European diplomat was cited as expressing alarm when told about the lack of a relationship between Zarif and Pompeo, at a time when the US is beefing up its military presence in the Gulf in response to what it claims are potentially threatening postures being adopted by the Iranian armed forces. The diplomat argued that such channels are necessary to avoid misunderstandings that lead to greater conflict.
“I hope that there are some channels still existing so we don’t sleepwalk into a situation that nobody wants,” the unnamed diplomat told Reuters. “The rhetoric that we have is alarming.”
Trump’s comments came after his national security advisor and foreign policy hawk John Bolton, who for many years as a private citizen argued for the need to bomb Iran to force regime change, said on May 25 that the US had “deep and serious” intelligence on threats posed by Iran. He did not disclose any of the claimed intelligence.
In further remarks, Trump welcomed Abe’s help in dealing with Iran after broadcaster NHK said Japan’s leader is considering a trip to Tehran as early as mid-June. Iran, however, said a visit was unlikely in the near future.
“I know for a fact that the prime minister is very close with the leadership of Iran, and we’ll see what happens,” Trump said.
“Peace and stability of the Middle East is very important for Japan and the United States and the international community as a whole,” Abe said at the joint press conference.
2.7 Spain considering joining Europe’s Instex channel to uphold trade flows with Iran
Spain is considering joining Europe’s Instrument in Support of Trade Exchanges (Instex) financial channel created to assist companies that wish to continue trading with Iran despite the US sanctions regime aimed at Tehran, Iran Chamber reported on May 21 citing EFE.
Prior to the reintroduction of US sanctions last year, Spain was a growing business partner to Iran. The most significant Iranian exports heading to the southern European country were oil, gas and foodstuffs.
“Spain is very concerned about the evolution of relations with Iran,” Spanish Foreign Minister Josep Borrell reportedly told reporters, while meeting EU counterparts in Brussels.
Madrid, he added, was concerned at the unilateral withdrawal of the US from the Iran nuclear deal and the European Union “would do whatever it can to keep the agreement alive”.
The nuclear deal was drawn up to shield Iran from heavy sanctions in return for compliance with measures that ensure its nuclear development programme stays purely civilian. But the US says the deal should be tougher on Iran and address other issues such as its support for militias across the Middle East. The five other major powers that signed the accord disagree.
Borrell was also cited as saying that the Spanish government was looking at all
10 IRAN Country Report June 2019 www.intellinews.com