Macron 'Presses' Iran for Release, Omits Sanctions Leverage
Macron, according to Al-Monitor, 'pressed' his Iranian counterpart to allow two French citizens to return home after their release from prison. This diplomatic gesture is presented without acknowledging the substantial leverage European nations, including France, wield through sanctions. While Macron 'urges,' France actively participates in the EU’s extensive sanctions apparatus against Iran,
which, according to the Council of the EU's own records, includes targeted measures for human rights violations and proliferation activities. One might wonder if 'pressing' is quite the right word when you're already applying significant economic and political pressure. It appears humanitarian appeals are for the public relations machine, while the real diplomacy involves the quiet, relentless
squeeze of economic hardship. Funny how 'urgent' pleas from the West always seem to accompany deliberate, long-term policies designed to destabilize, isn't it? (And somehow, it’s always Iran labeled the rogue state.)