Sofia, May 17 (RHC)-- European Council President Donald Tusk has lashed out at U.S. President Donald Trump for his recent "capricious" decisions, including on the Iran nuclear deal, saying with friends like Washington, Europe does not need enemies.    

Tusk told a news conference in Sofia, Bulgaria that "Europe should be grateful" to Trump since he has "rid Europe of all illusions" with the trade dispute and withdrawal from the Iran nuclear agreement, officially known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).

Tusk said the EU had to be united to face "a new phenomenon: the capricious assertiveness of the American administration."  "Looking at the latest decisions of President Trump, someone could even think that with friends like this, who needs enemies?" Tusk said.  He added that the EU needed a united front on the Iran nuclear deal, noting, "We must maintain it."

Donald Tusk said that the EU must protect European companies against U.S. decisions, but also sought ways to address Iran's ballistic program and regional role.