Iran Gambles Again: Will Europe Fall For It?

Iran is once again trying to dodge serious consequences by talking with European leaders about its nuclear program. This time, Iran’s foreign minister will speak by phone with officials from France, Germany, and the United Kingdom. These talks are happening just days before a deadline that could bring back strict United Nations sanctions on Iran. They’re scrambling to make a deal before the hammer drops.

As a veteran who’s seen what happens when bad actors are left unchecked, I can tell you this: Iran has played this game before. They promise peace, say the right things to Europe, and then turn right around and keep working on their nuclear program behind closed doors. It’s not just a problem for the Middle East—it’s a threat to global security and to our troops who are often the first to deal with the fallout.

Europe, for its part, always wants to talk. They hope that diplomacy will somehow change Iran’s behavior. But history shows us that Iran only responds to real pressure. When sanctions are tough, when U.S. leadership is firm, Iran slows down. When the pressure is lifted, they start enriching uranium again and build up their missile systems. It’s a cycle we’ve seen over and over.

Back when President Trump was in office, we pulled out of the flawed 2015 nuclear deal because it was weak. That deal gave Iran billions of dollars and still let them keep parts of their nuclear program running. They used that money to fund terror groups like Hezbollah and to support attacks on U.S. troops and allies. Trump knew that peace through strength works. When we put Iran under maximum pressure, their economy suffered, and their aggression slowed.

Now, with Biden and his pals out of power, we’re starting to see a return to that strong leadership. But Europe hasn’t caught up yet. They still think they can talk Iran into behaving. The phone call between Iran’s foreign minister and the European leaders is their latest attempt to avoid real punishment. They’re hoping to delay or stop the reimposition of U.N. sanctions that would hit Iran’s economy hard.

Let’s not forget what’s at stake here. A nuclear-armed Iran is not just a danger to Israel or Saudi Arabia. It’s a direct threat to America’s interests. It puts our troops in the region at greater risk. It gives power to a regime that chants “Death to America” in the streets. And it would spark an arms race across the Middle East, as other nations scramble to build their own nukes in response.

From a military perspective, the best way to keep the peace is to show strength. That means backing up our words with action. Iran needs to know that if they cross the line, there will be real consequences. Not just more talking. Not just more broken promises. Real economic pain. Real isolation.

Europe may not like it, but reimposing U.N. sanctions is the right move. It sends a clear message that the world won’t tolerate nuclear blackmail. It gives leverage back to the good guys. And it supports the kind of leadership we need to keep our country safe.

So while Iran and Europe talk on the phone, let’s hope someone on the line reminds them that peace doesn’t come from weakness. It comes from standing firm. Iran has had plenty of chances to do the right thing. If they won’t, then it’s time to turn up the pressure and make sure they know we mean business. Our troops, our allies, and our future depend on it.