Iranian Foreign Ministry: Europe Must Choose Between Independence and Dependence on the United States

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei said Europe must choose between acting independently and following the United States, arguing that it cannot do both while claiming “strategic autonomy.”

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Europe can no longer discuss “strategic autonomy” while simply following Washington’s orders.

In a post on X on the 31st, Baghaei criticized Europe’s approach to Washington. He cited French philosopher Étienne de La Boétie’s Discourse of Voluntary Servitude, saying the dominance of a great power can continue not only through physical coercion but also through the acquiescence of those able to act independently.

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Strategic autonomy is not secured through grand declarations.

“Strategic autonomy” cannot be secured through grand declarations, Baghaei said. He argued that Europe must show its independence by making responsible decisions, even when they differ from a great power’s position, and urged it to make a choice.

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It is realized through the ability to make independent and responsible decisions, even when they differ from the position of a great power.