About: Iran
EU appeals to ‘Astana guarantors’ to avoid Idlib catastrophe
Commenting on the decision by Russia and Turkey to create a “demilitarised” zone in a rebel-held Syrian region, the EU called on Tuesday (18 September) on the “Astana guarantors”, Russia, Turkey and Iran, to respect civilians as a matter of priority.
Russia says Turkey has key job of separating out militants in Syria’s Idlib
Russia hopes for a peaceful resolution of the situation in Syria's rebel-held province of Idlib but believes it is up to Turkey to separate Islamist militants from the moderate opposition, Russia's Syria envoy said on Tuesday (11 September).
EU warns of humanitarian disaster in Syrian city of Idlib
Russian and Syrian jets hammered a major rebel stronghold on Tuesday (4 September), days before leaders of Russia, Iran and Turkey meet to discuss an expected Syrian government offensive that could spark a humanitarian disaster.
Europe should counter Iran’s cyber espionage, infiltration, terrorism
The more discord persists in the West over the means of responding to Iranian covert operations, the more impact these operations will have, writes Alejo Vidal-Quadras.
Iran says awaiting European guarantees on oil sales, banking
Iran is awaiting European guarantees on the sale of Iranian oil and banking relations, Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said on Saturday (25 August), according to the Iranian Students' News Agency (ISNA).
Air France, British Airways to end flights to Tehran
Air France and British Airways announced Thursday (23 August) that they will halt flights to Tehran next month, citing low profitability as the US reimposes sanctions on Iran.
Defying US sanctions, EU unveils €18 million aid package for Iran
The European Commission approved an €18 million support package to Iran on Thursday (23 August) sending an important signal both to Teheran and Washington that Brussels will not back on its efforts to preserve the nuclear deal despite US sanctions.
China defies US pressure as EU parts ways with Iranian oil
China, seeking to skirt US sanctions, will use oil tankers from Iran for its purchases of that country's crude, throwing Tehran a lifeline while European companies such as France's Total are walking away due to fear of reprisals from Washington.
Caspian Five settle row over sea’s legal status, demarcation pending
Leaders of the five Caspian littoral states met on Sunday (12 August) for the Fifth Caspian Summit in Kazakhstan's port city Aktau to sign a landmark declaration determining the legal status of the Caspian Sea and aiming to end the legal limbo over its resource-rich waters.
EU companies ‘most likely to leave’ Iran after US sanctions, business organisations warn
German carmaker Daimler has shelved its expansion plans in Iran due to the reimposition of US sanctions but it might not be the last EU company to pull the plug on future aspirations, businesses organisations told EURACTIV.
Trump trade rows are ‘destroying’ growth, says German minister
Germany's economy minister on Sunday lashed out at US President Donald Trump, slamming his global trade rows and efforts to "dictate" Europe's dealings with Iran through renewed US sanctions.
EU tries to soften impact of US sanctions against Iran as they re-enter into force
As a result of the Trump administration's decision to withdraw from the Iran nuclear deal, Washington's re-imposition of sanctions hit European companies operating in the country from Monday (6 August) onwards. The EU has updated its ‘blocking statute’ to temper the impact.
EU must respond firmly to Tehran terror plot on European soil
The EU’s eagerness to further unconditional engagements with Iran seems to have only made Europe more vulnerable to state sponsored terrorism, writes Alejo Vidal-Quadras.
EIB cannot do business with Iran, bank chief warns
The European Investment Bank (EIB) would risk its business model if it invested in Iran, because of the sanctions the US reinstated after its withdrawal from the nuclear deal, the president of the EIB told the press on Wednesday (18 July).
EU and US will ‘always be close friends’, insists Mogherini
Following US President Donald Trump’s latest charge against Europe, EU’s vice-president for Foreign Affairs Federica Mogherini said on Monday (16 July) that the bloc will “always” consider the US as “close friends and partners”.
EU lawmakers back plan for European Investment Bank work in Iran
EU lawmakers gave approval on Wednesday (4 July) for the European Investment Bank (EIB) to do business in Iran, overcoming a blocking attempt and keeping alive plans to save the 2015 nuclear deal with Tehran that Washington has abandoned.
Iran: Appeasement is not the right way
Sanctions relief and increased economic activity with European companies will not change Iran's pursuit of its own interests and curb its nuclear ambition, writes Giulio Terzi di Sant’Agata.
Europe should not forget Iran’s imperialist agenda despite the crumbling of JCPoA
Despite its rich history, traditions and achievements, Iran still considers itself an underdog, a revolutionary, and an active force that wants to reshape its neighbourhood. It feels the deck is stacked against it as it positions itself as the perennial challenger to unfair forces keeping it down, writes Kacper Rekawek.
In striking contrast with G7, Shanghai summit focuses on ‘unity’
Chinese President Xi Jingping has praised the "unity" of the Shanghai Cooperation Agreement (SCO) at the opening ceremony of the organization's summit in the coastal Chinese city of Quingdao.
EU must engage with Azerbaijan or Putin will
Azerbaijan’s strategic yet precarious geopolitical location and situation are such that the country deserves EU support, especially in light of growing tensions with Russia and Iran, writes Jan Zahradil MEP.
EU should talk to Arab Gulf States as well to try and salvage Iran deal
Trump's decision to to withdraw from the Iran nuclear deal has left Europe partially paralysed. However, Europe can still exert significant leverage if it brings the rest of the Gulf into the discussion about a broad regional security process, writes Dr. Christian Koch.
EU energy chief courts Iran after Trump’s withdrawal from nuclear deal
Europe's energy and climate chief sought to reassure Iran's top ministers on Saturday (19 May) that the European Union wants to keep trade open despite the US withdrawal from the nuclear deal.
Tweets of the Week: Trump Iran tears, Europe Day cheers, and Eurovision jeers
Worry over Trump’s Iran decision, Europe Day prompts love for the EU mission, and people go nuts over this year’s Eurovision.