Relations between the EU and Iran are at their lowest point ever according to an EU official. Outgoing European Council President Charles Michel met with Iran’s new President Masoud Pezeshkian to discuss the strained relations.
Michel reiterated EU concerns about Iran delivering weapons to Russia, destabilizing actions through proxies, detained EU citizens, its nuclear program, and human rights situation. He stressed the importance of engagement and dialogue to avoid escalation.
The meeting came after reports that Iran sent ballistic missiles to Russia for the first time, which Iran has denied. The EU is considering sanctions in response.
Pezeshkian has tried to distance himself from the missile transfer and said Iran is open to dialogue with Europe and US. However, Western officials don’t see talks on lifting sanctions happening soon due to the US midterm elections.
EU and Iranian diplomats also met to discuss nuclear and sanctions issues, with Iran saying it wants respectful diplomacy on matters of mutual interest. EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell may meet his Iranian counterpart at the UN General Assembly.
Source: EURACTIV
