US pressure on European allies could erode global influence: Swiss expert

The United States' persistent pressure on its traditional European allies over economic and defense issues risks undermining its global influence, said a senior Swiss media professional at the 22nd Shangri-La Dialogue, Asia's premier defense summit.

Fredy Gsteiger, Deputy Editor-in-Chief of Swiss Radio and Television (SRF), made the comments during the dialogue, which ran from Friday to Sunday. He criticized U.S. President Donald Trump's repeated claims that European countries "take advantage" of the United States, highlighting that such alliances have historically been a strategic advantage for the U.S.

"I think that the United States, they always say under this government of Donald Trump, that 'we pay for our allies and we don't profit ourselves'. I don't think this is true. The alliances of the U.S., they were actually very clever and they were also very much beneficial for the United States themselves. Thanks to its alliances, the U.S. has increased its weight on the world scene, geopolitically, in the United Nations, in other international organizations, so that was a clever strategy. And it's not very, I would say, rational from the Trump government to threaten now these alliances because it will reduce the weight of the U.S. if they can not automatically rely on a large number of firm and solid and traditional allies," Gsteiger said during an interview with China Media Group on Sunday.

Gsteiger emphasized the importance of EU-China relations, noting that although there are political and security differences between Europe and China, no European country is willing to sever ties with China.

"I think this relationship is important, it's particularly economically important. I think it's also profitable for both sides. I mean, it wouldn't be good for China, it wouldn't be good for European countries, if you say, let's cut this economic relationship. On the other side, of course, there are differences, political, security, ideological differences between China, which is totally a different kind of state as the European states. I think from the European side, one will look with a certain prudence at China, particularly because China has been a very important, bigger power than it used to be, so I am pretty sure that it will be a continued relation. Nobody has the interest in breaking down these relations, it is too important," he said.

US pressure on European allies could erode global influence: Swiss expert

US pressure on European allies could erode global influence: Swiss expert

US pressure on European allies could erode global influence: Swiss expert

US pressure on European allies could erode global influence: Swiss expert

US pressure on European allies could erode global influence: Swiss expert

The Iranian government is focusing on public concerns and maintaining stable supplies of essential goods amid recent protests, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said in a televised interview on Sunday.

In the city of Karaj, northwest of the capital Tehran, daily life has largely continued as normal. A video filmed by a local resident on Sunday shows food stores open and grocery shelves fully stocked.

"This is the block near my home, and there are some food stores here. Daily life continues here. Last night we did not see many protests in Karaj. Right now the city is very safe. This is a grocery store close to my home. All the food is available; nothing is in shortage. Here are noodles and different types of beans. Here are dairy products, cheese, and yogurt. I also checked other grocery stores and didn't see any shortages. Everything is available," said local resident Ali Reza.

Iranian officials have described recent disturbances as acts orchestrated by the "enemy," including some carried out by well-trained and armed "terrorists." The incidents have caused casualties among security personnel and civilians, as well as property damage.

The Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council Ali Larijani has directed authorities to severely punish the "terrorists."

Meanwhile, Iran's police chief Ahmad-Reza Radan said on Sunday that the police had raised alert levels and arrested several leaders of the troublemakers during the operations on Saturday.

President Pezeshkian noted in the interview that the normal demands of the Iranian people are reasonable and justified, but they must realize that triggering riots and carrying out terrorist acts are the enemy's attempts to undermine the country. He urged the public to remain vigilant.

Also on Sunday, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf warned that Tehran would regard U.S. and Israeli bases and facilities in the Middle East as "legitimate targets" if Washington takes military action against Iran. His remarks followed media reports saying U.S. President Donald Trump is "seriously considering authorizing a strike" against Iran.

Iranian state media reported that at least 109 members of Iran's security forces have been killed in clashes since the protests began 14 days ago. Meanwhile, human rights groups based outside the country said the number of protesters killed has exceeded 200, though the figure could not be independently verified.

The protests initially erupted over a sharp depreciation of the rial and sweeping subsidy reforms. Iranian authorities have blamed the unrest on foreign-linked agents and sanctions imposed by the United States.

Iranian president says government focusing on ensuring supplies amid protests