Iran FM criticizes EU for sticking to Trump's 'ineffectual' sanctions

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
20 Feb 16:00

The EU added new sanctions on Iranian officials and organizations, still following Trump's ineffective Iran policy.

Iranian Foreign Minister Amir-Abdollahian in a meeting with his Russian counterpart in Moscow, Russia January 20, 2022. (Reuters)

Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian criticized the European Union's new set of sanctions on Iran, calling them "ineffectual". He added that the EU is sticking to former US President Trump's obsolete policies against Tehran.

The EU issued new sanctions on several Iranian officials and organizations over Iran's response to riots that broke out in the country in the past few months. Some members of the EU also tried to include the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) in the list of terrorist organizations.

“The behavior of the European Union in recent months is the continuation of Trump's ineffective Iran policy. It further proves the continuation of dual and unrealistic standards combined with the exploitation of human rights concepts,” Amir-Abdollahian said in a phone call with the EU's Foreign Policy Chief, Josep Borrell.

He also called out certain European countries for their hypocritical behavior for sponsoring organizations that have conducted terror operations against Iran.

The foreign minister also announced that Tehran is planning for a visit by International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Grossi to discuss joint initiatives.

“If the agency acts with a technical and non-political perspective, it is possible to reach a framework to resolve the issue,” he said.

Tonight on telephone with @JosepBorrellF discussed Iran-EU ties, JCPOA, Iran-IAEA cooperation and Ukraine developments. Emphasized that I.R.Iran relies upon its people and this was proven once again on February 11th (national day) this year.
— H.Amirabdollahian امیرعبداللهیان (@Amirabdolahian) February 19, 2023

Iran said that in order to resurrect the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), the nuclear deal's safeguards should be resolved, as if these issues are not settled, no deal will be reached.

The two top diplomats also touched on the subject of the war in Ukraine, as Amir-Abdollahian stressed Iran's stance highlighting the need for applying diplomatic strategies to resolve the conflict. The FM said that Iran pushed for truce and peace and believes that territorial integrity guarantees sustainable peace.