Tehran is widening its threats beyond the Middle East, accusing Israel of controlling European governments and warning that Europe could face retaliation.
Iran has now turned its rhetoric directly against Europe, warning European countries against supporting military action by the US and Israel and claiming that Israel has effectively taken control of European decision-making.
According to Iranian officials, European governments are no longer acting independently but are following policies dictated by Jerusalem. Tehran used the accusation to portray European support for Israel as proof that the continent has surrendered its sovereignty.
Iran also warned that European states involved in assisting operations against the Islamic Republic could be treated as legitimate targets. The threat marks another dangerous expansion of Tehran’s confrontation, which has already spread from Israel and the US to Gulf states, international shipping and Ukraine.
