Iran has criticised the European Union (EU) for backing additional US economic pressure against Tehran, accusing the bloc of abandoning its claim of strategic autonomy.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei made the remarks on Monday in a post on X.
Baghaei was responding to an EU statement issued during the G20 finance meeting, in which the bloc welcomed efforts to pressure Iran to end what it described as destabilising activities and engage in good-faith peace negotiations.
The EU also backed additional economic measures, including the US-led “Operation Economic Outcast”, saying the pressure was intended to encourage Iran to change its conduct and support regional stability.
“Europe can no longer speak of ‘strategic autonomy’ while merely executing Washington’s orders,” Baghaei said.
He argued that the EU’s position demonstrated alignment with US policy rather than independent European decision-making.
The EU also called for continued diplomacy with Iran to promote regional stability and freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, stressing that dialogue remained essential despite rising economic and political tensions.
The bloc said it was prepared to take further measures and maintain pressure on Tehran alongside the United States and other partners, while continuing efforts to promote diplomatic engagement and de-escalation.
On August 19, US President Donald Trump announced what he described as the “most crushing economic operation ever taken against any country,” signalling a major escalation in Washington’s pressure campaign against Iran.
Trump also warned that countries providing economic support to Iran would face “tremendous economic consequences,” underscoring his administration’s efforts to economically isolate Tehran and discourage international cooperation with the country.
