Distrusting Both Iran and U.S., Europe Urges 'Maximum Restraint'

[Celerity]

https://www.nytimes.com/2019/06/14/world/europe/tanker-europe-strait-of-hormuz.html?action=click&module=Top%20Stories&pgtype=Homepage

BRUSSELS — Speaking of the attacks this week on fuel tankers in the Gulf of Oman, President Trump said flatly on Friday that “Iran did do it.” European governments may also think that Iran is probably to blame, but their distrust of the Trump administration and its hawkish policy toward Tehran have led them to measure their words, and call for de-escalation and “maximum restraint.”

Mindful of Washington’s exaggerations and outright misrepresentations of intelligence leading up to the Iraq war, European leaders are asking the Trump administration for hard evidence. The last thing they want is to be asked to support another American war in the Middle East that would be highly unpopular with voters.

Europeans are no fans of the Iranian government or its policies in the Middle East, but they are concerned by what they see as the Trump administration’s policy of “maximum pressure” on Iran — thus their use of maximum restraint. Many critics believe Mr. Trump is succeeding only in creating maximum pressure among hard-line factions in Iran to respond with carefully calibrated attacks that send a message, like those against tankers in a vital passageway for global oil supplies.

Germany wants a careful investigation of the attacks, insisting that “a spiral of escalation must be avoided.” The European Union, in the words of the spokeswoman Maja Kocijancic, has “said repeatedly that the region doesn’t need further escalation, it doesn’t need further destabilization, it doesn’t need further tension.” Ms. Kocijancic said that European foreign ministers would discuss Iran and other issues at a regular meeting on Monday.

In the absence of hard intelligence, with American agencies notably quiet, European governments — with the possible exception of Britain — are wary about blaming Iran. They are reluctant to accept the White House’s claims at face value, and do not want to provide Washington with any pretext for war.

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[get the red out]

1. I agree with Europe

I trust neither Iran nor Trump's government either!

[Caliman73]

2. European countries more than others, understand intrigues and blundering into war.

They are wise to urge restraint and caution. Iran, having only been the type of country it is today since the late 70's and the US under an idiot wannabe dictator; are like two toddlers who have not learned to curb their impulses.

We need real leaders in both countries.