EU sanctions package on Iran

Josep Borrell, High Representative of the European Union (EU) Foreign Relations and Security Policy, made a statement to the press at the entrance to the Meeting of EU Foreign Ministers.

Stating that sanctions against Iran and Russia are on the foreign ministers’ agenda, Borrell said: “We will pass a very, very tough sanctions package against Iran.” Borrell stated that he had a lengthy phone call with his Iranian counterpart on the afternoon of December 9, stating that Iran had discussed arms supplies to Russia and the execution of two people in recent days, and that the EU condemned the situation and He conveyed that he was worried.

“Iran has to understand that the EU strongly condemns them and supports Iranian women who support peaceful protests,” the EU High Representative said.

The EU decided to impose sanctions on 11 people and 4 Iranian organizations on October 17, and on 29 people and 3 organizations on November 14, for their intervention in national protests following the death of Mahsa Emini.

Borrell said that “ministers from 27 member states have a different approach” regarding the 9th package of sanctions against Russia, announced by the EU Commission on December 7. “The commission only made an offer. It is the Council that will decide,” Borrell said, stressing that ministers had not yet given the green light to the package.

Borrell said: “Maybe at the end of the day, the green light may come, but there are still issues that need to be agreed.”

The proposal for the latest package includes the inclusion of approximately 200 people and institutions and 3 Russian banks on the sanctions list, a ban on exports of dual-use items, and a ban on mining investments. (AA)