The attacks on vital Saudi Arabian oil installations have thrust western powers into a dilemma: whether and how to retaliate against Iran, which Washington alleges is the mastermind behind the offensive.
“This puts the Europeans in a tough spot,” said Axel Hellman of European Leadership Network think-tank. “It puts additional pressure on them to address Iran’s actions, in order to reduce tensions and forge a diplomatic route forwards.
This backgrounder offers important information on critical issues relevant to the Warsaw ministerial on the Middle East and other upcoming events.
Deploying NATO maritime assets, beyond a simple addition of firepower, would signal that Europe will not accept hostile actions in the Gulf, nor any hostage-taking of its energy markets.
Sir Richard Dalton, former British Ambassador to Iran, offers his thoughts on what’s next for the Iranian nuclear negotiations, outlining the difficulties and oportunities ahead for the UNP5+1.