Senior French sources tell me @EmmanuelMacron fear is that @realDonaldTrump is “beyond normal diplomatic reasoning” & will respond to even limited Iranian retaliation with “something irreparable which we would have openly to condemn.” Berlin & London V anxious about this too 1/4
“We’re on a tight rope, with no balancing pole and a minefield below. We cannot, yet, attack US actions directly. Nor can we defend them completely. Whatever happens next, our own interests, and people in the region are directly in the firing line.” 2/4
Despite @JosepBorrellF efforts in Bxl this afternoon, the EU's diplomacy is de facto being led by @EmmanuelMacron. Merkel is once again hamstrung by her coalition; @BorisJohnson is compromised by his need for close US ties & a UK-US FTA 3/4
In light of Macron/EU's concerns above about @realDonaldTrump, Macron's efforts are primarily focussed on Iran & Russia - not the US. Will he succeed in steering the Iranians away from a retaliation? Daunting political & diplomatic task ENDS
