Iran Urges EU’s Reaction to US Terrorist Actions
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Iranian President Hassan Rouhani called on European countries to show reaction to the American acts of terrorism, such as the sanctions against people of Iran and the assassination of Iranian commander Lt. General Qassem Soleimani.
“By intensifying the sanctions against Iran, even on medicine and foodstuff, the US has resorted to an act of economic terrorism, and it violated all international regulations by assassinating Iran’s great commander,” Rouhani said in a Thursday telephone conversation with President of the European Council Charles Michel.
Rouhani called on Europe to show reaction to the US’ terrorist activities, saying Washington’s “wrong and harmful” calculations result from its lack of understanding of Iran and the region.
The European Union needs to adopt stances independent of Washington and prevent Iran’s total disappointment with the Europeans, Rouhani added.
“The European Union is a big power with a heavy responsibility in the world, and if it intends to take the path to strengthening regional peace and stability, Tehran will be ready for cooperation and partnership with the union,” he underlined.
He further said that the massive demonstrations in condemnation of the American assassination of General Soleimani in various countries indicate the late Iranian commander’s popularity and his leading role in regional stability and security.
“Iran and Europe are after regional stability and seek to cement the JCPOA again, and it is very important for us that Europe, China and Russia be able to play their significant role in saving the JCPOA, so that Iran’s interests are fulfilled,” he stated.
Rouhani went on to say that Iran’s five steps to reduce its JCPOA commitments have been aimed at keeping the balance of the nuclear deal, stressing, “Iran will keep working in cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency.”
For his part, Michel described the JCPOA as the result of 10 years of negotiations, saying the European Union will do its utmost to salvage the nuclear agreement.
Pointing to Europe’s efforts to play a positive role in the political sphere at the regional and international levels, Michel said the EU has repeatedly called on the US in recent days to avoid escalating tensions in the region.
“We are concerned about the regional developments and invite all parties to practice self-restraint,” he added.
He also thanked Iran for cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency despite a reduction of its JCPOA commitments.
