President Urges EU to Defy US Sanctions on Iran
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Iranian President Hassan Rouhani called on the European countries to stand against the American measures and sanctions against the Islamic Republic, which he slammed as an act of terrorism.
“The European Union is expected to stand against the US’ illegal measures,” Rouhani said in a meeting with Foreign Minister of Austria Alexander Schallenberg in Tehran on Sunday.
He also pointed to the capacities for economic cooperation between Tehran and Vienna, saying, “In promoting cooperation (with Iran), we hope Austria would not care about the illegal and incorrect pressures from Americans.”
The president further highlighted the 2015 nuclear deal’s influential role in regional and international peace and security, saying, “We still believe we can save the JCPOA.”
The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action could work as an appropriate base to build mutual trust between Iran and the West, including the European Union and the US, he added, emphasizing that Iran has honored its commitments to the nuclear deal.
He further slammed the US sanctions on delivery of foodstuff and pharmaceutical products to Iran as an “act of terrorism”, saying, “We expect the European Union to fulfill its humanitarian duty in this regard.”
Rouhani went on to say that regional security must be ensured by regional countries alone. “Today, the security of the region’s sea routes has declined compared to the past, and many countries in our region, such as Yemen, Iraq, Syria, and Afghanistan are not experiencing suitable security conditions.”
“All of the problems of our region result from the US’ wrong and illegal interference in the affairs of the region,” Rouhani added.
He also expressed hope that the Austrian foreign minister’s trip to Tehran would lead to positive developments in the ties between Iran and the European Union.
For his part, Schallenberg hailed the friendly and age-old relations between Austria and Iran, and highlighted the efforts to boost the bilateral ties in all fields, particularly economy and trade.
The Austrian diplomat also described the JCPOA as a milestone in trust-building efforts in the region and the world, saying, “We believe that the JCPOA has a significant role in maintaining calm and stability in the region, and it is necessary to save it.”
The Austrian diplomat hailed Iran’s major role in ensuring stability and security in the region, saying Vienna welcomes the Hormuz Peace Endeavor proposed by Iran and is willing to play a positive role in the regional peace process.