Columbia International Affairs Online: Working Papers

CIAO DATE: 10/2011

U.S. and Iranian Strategic Competition: Competition Involving the EU, EU3, and non-EU European States

Anthony H. Cordesman, Brandon Fite

September 2011

Center for Strategic and International Studies

Abstract

The various states that comprise the EU and non-EU Europe collectively and individually influence US-Iranian competition in a number of ways. The EU, and particularly the EU3 (Britain, France, and Germany), are the United States‘ most consistent allies in seeking to roll back Iran‘s nuclear efforts. Though the European approach has not always paralleled that of the US, unlike China and Russia, European disagreements with the US serve to moderate rather than to weaken or spoil American efforts. In addition to Europe‘s diplomatic support for US efforts, Britain and France provide military support in the region. The force projection capabilities of the EU3 are limited and potentially weakening under the strain of budget reductions, but they remain an influential factor to competition. In the past, members of the EU have generally supported the United States‘ long-term goal of altering Iran‘s behavior, but differed with the US approach to reach that goal. While the US pursued policies largely built on isolating the Iranian regime in order to change it, the EU and other European nations worked to integrate the IRI primarily through diplomatic and economic incentives. Despite disagreements, the overarching similarity of US-EU interests and both powers‘ mutual investment in the international order firmly situates Europe in the American camp.