Iran FM, EU foreign policy chief hold phone conversation

Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian held a phone conversation on Friday with European Union (EU) High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell over the latest developments in the sanctions removal talks, Tehran’s bilateral ties with the EU and the recent issues in Iran.

Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian held a phone conversation on Friday with European Union (EU) High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell over the latest developments in the sanctions removal talks, Tehran’s bilateral ties with the EU and the recent issues in Iran.

Amirabdollahian thanked Borrell for his constructive efforts to help secure a return of all sides to their commitments under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), saying, “Despite some contradictory media statements by the American side, the steps toward achieving an agreement are on the right path, and within that framework, we welcomed the cooperation on the side of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in the technical fields.”

Commenting on the developments unfolding in Iran, Amirabdollahian said, “The death of Mahsa Amini is regrettable to all of us. In that regard, an accurate and scientific report has been presented by the Legal Medicine Organization under the aegis of a remarkable number of medical specialists and experts. Meanwhile, a judicial process is underway regarding the case. Of course, this case serves as a pretext for some Western officials. The question is: what has the West done in the face of hundreds of cases revolving around murder by police of women and children in Canada and the US, in particular? The most violent form of confrontation with riots cannot be seen as a good and acceptable action in Europe while the same action, which takes place within a legal framework in Iran, is counted as a crackdown.”

“Peaceful demands have nothing to do with riots, assassinations, arson, and terrorist operations,” he said.

The Islamic Republic of Iran, he said, is strongly backed by the people and an effective democracy, adding, “This is not a land of colorful or velvet coup d’états. Iran is an anchor of lasting stability and peace in the region.”

“Of course, we have a broader framework for cooperation between the European Union and the Islamic Republic of Iran in view; therefore, we advise the Europeans to look at the issue with a realistic approach,” he added.

The foreign minister highlighted the role played by the Islamic Republic and Lieutenant General Qassem Soleimani in confronting Daesh in Iraq and Syria, which consequently enabled Europeans to benefit from security in their own continent.

He added, “We have defense cooperation with Russia, but our policy on the Ukraine war is against sending weapons to the conflicting sides and support an end to the war and the people’s displacement.”

For his part, Borrell said he was pleased with the progress made on the path toward reviving the JCPOA and stressed the importance of Tehran-IAEA cooperation.
He described a prisoner swap deal between Iran and the US as important and a step forward in efforts to reach an agreement.

The EU foreign policy chief also referred to the good progress made in New York and Vienna.

“We have no intention to meddle in the domestic affairs of Iran,” he added.

Borrell also pointed to some harsh positions taken in Europe and emphasized the need for further cooperation between Iran and the EU.

He referred to Iran’s position against sending weapons and drones for use in the Ukraine war, describing it as worthy of attention.