BRUSSELS (dpa-AFX) – The European Union is sticking to sanctions against the Islamic Republic because of Iran’s violation of the nuclear deal. This means that people and entities active in Iran’s nuclear and missile programs remain subject to punitive measures in the EU, the EU said in a statement on Tuesday. In addition, sanctions against the Islamic Revolutionary Guards and a ban on trade in arms and missiles remain in force.
The decision is not related to Tehran’s support for the Islamist Palestinian organization Hamas and its attacks on Israel.
The nuclear deal known as JCPOA, which Iran signed with several countries, including Germany, in 2015, was intended to limit the country’s nuclear program and prevent the construction of nuclear weapons. In return, many sanctions were lifted. However, a later expiry date of October 18, 2023 has been set for some UN sanctions. The EU states have now decided to let these remaining measures continue within the EU.
Brussels said this was decided with a view to Iran’s violations of the nuclear pact. Contrary to the agreements, Iran produces uranium with a level of purity close to weapons-grade and obstructs the monitoring of its facilities by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Tehran was reacting to the fact that the United States under the previous president Donald Trump have withdrawn from the nuclear pact.
From Tehran’s perspective, the EU is now violating the pact with its decision. “This action by the Council of the European Union is a clear violation of the commitments under the JCPOA, and it is an act of bad faith,” said Iran’s foreign ministry spokesman Nasser Kanaani./al/DP/he