“The Islamic Republic of Iran welcomes the development of relations with the EU in an environment based on mutual respect,” it said in a statement issued late Thursday.
The development of relations “requires a dialogue to resolve the issues between the two sides and correcting the erroneous policies of European countries,” Aragçi added.
Borel announced on the “X” platform that he had discussed “prospects for resuming cooperation on all issues of mutual interest” with his Iranian counterpart.
The talks discussed the “need for de-escalation and restraint”, as well as “suspension of military cooperation” with Russia and non-proliferation of nuclear weapons.
Such a “critical dialogue” is “essential to reduce tensions in the region,” Borel said.
Aragçi, who took office as minister on Wednesday, is known for his openness to the West.
He was Tehran’s main representative in international nuclear talks and played a key role in securing the 2015 deal to curb Iran’s nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief.
US President Donald Trump withdrew from the nuclear deal and renewed sanctions against Iran. Efforts to restore the operation of the agreement have not been successful so far.
The EU accuses Iran, among other things, of supporting the Palestinian radical group Hamas and supplying weapons to Russia, which is using them in the war against Ukraine.
The tension in the Middle East region has increased after the political leader of “Hamas” Ismail Haniya was killed in Tehran on July 31.
Iran blames Israel for Haniya’s killing and threatens to retaliate.
Haniya had come to Tehran for the inauguration of the new president, reformist politician Massoud Pezeshkian.
2024-08-24 04:14:24