While the United States might be waffling on Iran, European Union states are calling for stronger opposition against the Islamic Republic. French President Nicolas Sarkozy, for example, has repeatedly insisted that Iran be prevented from obtaining a nuclear bomb. Sarkozy’s rhetoric prompted Ahmadinejad to write him an “acrimonious letter” in November, according toLe Monde.

Recently, German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier told the chief of the International Atomic Energy Agency that the international community had to get tougher on Iran. “The problem is not solved,” he said. “The conflict over Iran’s nuclear program remains.” According to Asia Times, “Germany was until this year Iran’s largest trading partner (China is currently first) and has been reluctant in the past to adopt a hard line against the regime in Tehran. But in a clear sign of disengagement, German exports to Iran fell 16 percent in 2007 and German banks have cut lots of ties with Iranian clients” (January 18).

The article pointed out that the EU has taken two UN resolutions against Iran and actually advanced the sanctions a step further. Because of this, the Times wrote,

Iran could use the terrorism weapon to punish European nations. For example, the Ahmadinejad letter was also a warning to French soldiers present among the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon contingent in southern Lebanon. Also, it is very likely that Iran could use its proxy, Hezbollah, to orchestrate a terror campaign in Europe or against European interests around the world, as it did in 1986 in the streets of Paris. At the end of November, British authorities confirmed that some Hezbollah sleeper cells disseminated throughout the United Kingdom were threatening to strike in case of attacks against Iran. Iran financed the Hezbollah cells at the onset of its nuclear program, expecting an armed conflict. These cells are just awaiting Tehran’s orders to strike. And Europe might well be the first target.

This aggressive posture on both sides will soon erupt into a full-scale military clash between Europe and the Iranian-led Islamic power. It’s prophesied in Daniel 11:40.