The EU’s initial response to the assassination of Qassem Soleimani was surprisingly muted – and this is why

The situation is a great case study of how things work in Brussels – the difficulties the union faces on foreign policy, and why some leaders have been fighting for reform

Protesters in Tehran demonstrate over US airstrike that killed the Iranian general (AP)

Brussels takes its Christmas break pretty seriously, and today is the first real day back of 2020. Bonne annee!

If officials and diplomats thought they might get an extended breather after putting the first phase of Brexit to bed, they were wrong: The EU’s institutions have had to hit the ground running because of the situation in Iran and Iraq.

The heightening of tensions in the region is a particular headache for Brussels, because it has been the loudest voice standing by the Iran nuclear deal – the so-called “JCPOA”. The situation is now getting even more complicated, thanks to Donald Trump’s latest move.