The Impact of Terrorism on the Confrontation between Iran and the EU after September 11, 2001

The issue of terrorism is one of the important subjects in relations between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the EU. The European Union influenced by global propaganda and incidents such as hostage taking in the U.S. Embassy in Tehran, Salman Rushdi affair, Mikonos crisis, and Iran´s support of Hezbollah and Palestinian groups, has criticized Iran. In contrast, Iran denies the charges and considers itself the greatest victim of terrorism. From Iran´s point of view, supporting Hezbollah and Palestinian groups that are considered as liberation movements is not tantamount to supporting terrorism. From Iran´s perspective, Europeans support Israel who is responsible for killing Palestinians. Also, they support anti-Iranian terrorist groups involved in the assassination of Iranian scientists and officials. Iran believes that the EU actions means supporting terrorism. On the other hand, the Islamic Republic of Iran present a different definition for terrorism brining about divergence between the two parties.