Iran Urges Europe to Abandon US Failed Policy

Amir Abdollahian made the remarks in a phone conversation with the EU Foreign Policy Chief Josep Borrell late on Sunday.

The foreign minister criticized the European Union (EU) for its way of dealing with Iran in recent months, saying the approach is a continuation of ineffective policies adopted by Trump on Tehran.

He blamed some European governments for their support for groups involved in terrorism against Iran.

Referring to cooperation between Iran and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the Iranian foreign minister stated that Tehran is planning a visit by the IAEA chief to Tehran, adding that the two sides will pursue a series of joint initiatives in their future talks.

“If the IAEA acts with a technical approach and avoids politicization, there would be a possibility to reach a framework for solving the issue,” Amir Abdollahian continued.

On the war between Russia and Ukraine, the top diplomat stressed the need to end the military conflict between Moscow and Kiev, adding that Tehran has always insisted on the need for a ceasefire and a political settlement to resolve the crisis.

“From the Islamic Republic of Iran’s viewpoint, respect for countries’ territorial integrity guarantees sustainable peace,” he stated.

For his part, Borrell stressed the need for continued talks between Iran and the IAEA.

He also expressed pessimism on the prospects of an imminent ceasefire in Ukraine, and stated that the EU will continue to provide support to Kiev.

Tehran and certain Western nations have been engaged in a diplomatic row over their meddlesome stance on recent unrest Iran.

Protests erupted in several cities across Iran over the death of Mahsa Amini who fainted at a police station in mid-September and days later was pronounced dead at a hospital. The demonstrations soon turned violent.

An official report by Iran’s Legal Medicine Organization announced that Amini’s controversial death was caused by an illness rather than alleged blows to the head or other vital body organs.

Iranian officials blame Western countries for orchestrating the riots to destabilize the country.

The unrest has claimed the lives of dozens of people and security forces, while also allowing acts of terror and sabotage across the country. Iran’s Interior Ministry has confirmed the enemy waged a hybrid war against the country to weaken national solidarity and hinder the country’s progress, stressing that some 200 people lost their lives in the riots sparked by separatist and terrorist groups.

The US, the UK and the European Union (EU) have imposed a slew of sanctions against Iranian individuals and legal entities since the September death in police custody of an Iranian woman. Iran has returned the adversarial measures and meddlesome statements with sanctions against European, American and British officials and institutions.