The apparent contradiction reflects how strategic interests,
alliances, and global optics intersect in United States and Britain, France and
Germany foreign policy. Let me break it down:
Iran Nuclear
Program
The United States, Britain France and Germany have long
opposed Iran’s uranium enrichment, seeing it as a path to nuclear weapons.
Sanctions are their primary leverage tool.
Regional
Rivalries
Iran’s support for Hezbollah, Houthis, and other groups
hostile to Israel and the West makes it a “destabilizer” in their eyes.
Alliance
Pressures
Many Gulf Arab states are partners of Israel, US, Britain,
France and Germany and they view Iran as a strategic threat, pushing Western
powers to maintain maximum pressure.
Domestic
Politics
In Washington and Europe, appearing “soft on Iran” is
politically costly. Sanctions serve as a signal of toughness.
Israeli
attacks on Gaza
Israel’s strikes in Gaza have caused massive civilian
deaths. Western governments face pressure from international institutions (UN,
ICC), NGOs, and their own publics.
The US, Britain France and Germany consider themselves defenders
of international law. Unchecked Israeli bombing undermines their stance on
Ukraine, human rights, and global order.
Escalation in Gaza risks dragging in Lebanon, Syria, and
potentially Iran—threatening oil supplies and broader Middle East stability,
which Europe especially fears.
In the US and Europe, large pro-Palestinian movements, especially
among younger voters and immigrant communities are creating political pressure
to rein in Israel.
Core
Contradiction
On Iran, the West uses sanctions as a pressure tool because
Iran is seen as an adversary.
On Israel, despite being an ally, the West uses diplomatic
urging rather than sanctions—because Israel is a strategic partner, but its
Gaza actions are politically damaging to the West’s global image.
In essence, Iran is a strategic opponent and super powers
use sanctions as pressure
They consider Israel a strategic ally and want to save it from
any external pressure, the statements are rhetoric only.
This double standard is being viewed in non-Western capitals
(Beijing, Moscow, Global and South) as dual standard and Western stance weakens
their credibility globally.
The non-Western world views this double standard of sanctions
on Iran but “restraint pleas” for Israel.
China points out that the US, Britain, France and Germany
are punishing Iran harshly for alleged destabilizing actions, but shield Israel
diplomatically despite Gaza bombings.
By calling for ceasefires and humanitarian aid, China
portrays itself as a “responsible global mediator,” contrasting with the West’s
selective morality.
Iran is a vital energy partner for China under its Belt and
Road Initiative. Sanctions make Tehran more dependent on Beijing, strengthening
Chinese influence.
Russia
Russia terms the West’s “rules-based order” biased. They
argue: “If bombing cities in Ukraine is a war crime, why not Gaza?”
Iran is often accused of supplying drones and partnering
with Russia under sanctions, so Moscow benefits from Tehran’s isolation.
Russia frames itself as standing with the oppressed
(Palestinians) against Western-backed aggression, resonating in Arab and
African states.
Colonial Echoes
Many see the West’s defense of Israel and punishment of Iran
as a continuation of imperial “divide and rule.”
Western claims about human rights and international law are
viewed as selective—undermining their authority when they criticize others (African
leaders, Asian governments).
Countries like Turkey, Brazil, and South Africa amplify
calls for accountability against Israel, while trading more with Iran outside
the dollar system.
Strategic Impact
The West’s inconsistency weakens its moral standing
globally.
Non-Western powers gain diplomatic and economic space by
filling the “justice gap.”
Iran, despite sanctions, finds sympathy in many Global South
societies as a victim of Western double standards—while Israel risks becoming
diplomatically isolated outside the Western bloc.
Moral of the story
The contradictory stances of US, Britain France and Germany may
preserve short-term alliances, but they’re eroding their credibility in the
long run, especially in the Global South.
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