b'5. Pro-Iran Position vs. the USA Since Britain voted to leave the EU on Juneannounced its intention to reactivate a 23rd, 2016, the EU has adopted a pro-Iranblocking statute which would essentially stance.render null and void the US sanctions against Iran in Europe.37 The EU ultimately passed Just before the referendum, on 16 Januarythis blocking statute on 7 August 2018.38 2016, the European Council lifted all nuclear- related economic and financial EU sanctionsOn 23 August 2018, the EU went a step against Iran as part of the Joint Plan offurther. The EU adopted a 18 million Action between Iran and the EU. The Jointsupport package for Iran. This was part of Plan of Action also enabled the transporta broader support package of 50 million.39of Iranian crude oil and petrochemicalThe USA and Israel have considered the EU products.33 aid package to Iran an attempt to undermine US foreign policy in the region. Israels Prime In early May of 2018, President Trump pulledMinister Benjamin Netanyahu referred to out of a 2015 agreement with Iran whichthe aid package as a poisonpill, while the aimed to stifle Irans burgeoning nuclearsenior US ambassador to Iran has stated that program.34Around the same time, the Trumpthe aid package sent the wrong message at administration proposed sanctions on Iran sothe wrong time.40severe that more than 100 large international companies withdrew from Iran.35 It is very clear that were the UK to remain in or rejoin the EU, it could see itself drawn On 8 May 2018, President Macron,into tensions with the USA, historically the Chancellor Merkel and then Prime MinisterUKs greatest ally and trading partner. Since Theresa May responded to Presidentsthe UK voted to leave the EU in 2016, the Trump decision to restore nuclear sanctionsEU has taken a much more aggressive and by expressing regret and concernandcombative approach towards the USA in the following day the three EU leadersregard to Iran. The EU seems to want a announced their intention to uphold the Irancrypto 21st century Cold War with the USA. agreement despite the USAs withdrawal.36 Where would that leave NATO?On 17 May 2018, the EU Commission 195'