ABSTRACT

For Europe, the Iran nuclear deal is a bittersweet story. Between 2003 and 2015, the Europeans played an important role in facilitating US-Iran nuclear diplomacy and eventually the agreement itself. After former US President Trump decided to exit the deal and revert to maximum economic pressure in 2018, the Europeans tried to recreate room for US-Iran engagement. While unsuccessful, they have nonetheless managed to remain relevant for both sides. The prospect of normalised economic relations with Europe has provided Iran with an incentive not to pursue nuclear weapons. As for the US, the nuclear deal – which still exists formally thanks to Europe – is the only framework available for re-engaging Iran in nuclear diplomacy, a prospect the new administration of Joe Biden has pledged to consider. Dismissing Europe’s efforts as ineffectual is therefore inaccurate since, in defending the nuclear deal, the Europeans have preserved a diplomatic bridge for US-Iranian re-engagement.

摘要

对于欧洲来说，伊朗核协议是一个苦乐参半的故事。在2003年至2015年期间，欧洲人在促进美伊核外交以及最终促进协议本身方面发挥了重要作用。在美国前总统特朗普决定退出交易并在2018年恢复最大经济压力后，欧洲人试图为美伊交战创造空间。尽管没有成功，但他们仍然设法对双方都有意义。与欧洲关系正常化的前景为伊朗提供了不购买核武器的动力。至于美国，核协议（由于欧洲而仍然正式存在）是使伊朗重新参与核外交的唯一框架，这是乔·拜登新政府已承诺考虑的前景。