In a panel at the "Tehran Dialogue Forum 2025" entitled "Iran and Europe: Dialogue, Dilemmas, and Paths Forward," Olivier McTernan, an international relations expert from Italy, after outlining relations between Iran and Europe, asserted: "The fundamental issue and main challenge in the current relations between Iran and Europe is the severe erosion of mutual trust."

The Italian expert added: "In the period before the US withdrawal from the JCPOA, this agreement could have somewhat repaired this trust deficit and brought the parties closer to their desired objectives; however, with the Trump administration's withdrawal, this golden opportunity was lost. Although the Biden administration endeavored to revive it, ultimately, it failed to find a practical solution, and its efforts at consensus-building regarding confidence-building among the JCPOA parties also ended in failure."

McTernan went on to address the phenomenon of Islamophobia in the West, stating: "The reality is that the presence of Islam in the fabric of European societies is an undeniable fact, even if some attempt to conceal it."

He identified sanctions as another significant factor in the reduced level of cooperation between Tehran and Brussels, adding: "Unfortunately, Europe in this regard is often compelled to follow US policies and, in some instances, aligning with Washington, imposes sanctions against Iran. This alignment undoubtedly has a detrimental impact on the quality and level of bilateral relations and is a serious impediment to improving ties."

Dehghani: Europeans Have Consistently Shown Extremist Reactions Regarding Iran, Which Is Considered Disrespectful.

Gholamhossein Dehghani, a senior international relations expert and former Iranian Ambassador to Brussels, referring to the discussions raised in the panel concerning confidence-building between Iran and Europe, stated: "While the primary problem in Iran-US relations is a lack of trust, in Iran-Europe relations, in addition to this mistrust, we also face the worrying phenomenon of a 'lack of respect,' which must be profoundly considered. Europeans have consistently displayed reactions towards Iran that, from our perspective, are not only disproportionate and extremist but also indicative of disrespect."

He then emphasized Iran's approach: "Despite this burdensome and challenging atmosphere that has overshadowed Iran-Europe relations for years, the Islamic Republic of Iran has always taken the lead, not only in resolving misunderstandings and bilateral challenges but also in helping to resolve regional and global crises."