EU may return to sanctions against Iran to prevent Tehran from resuming nuclear program, says Kallas

The closure of the Strait of Hormuz by Iran would pose a huge threat, so EU foreign ministers will discuss the possibility of a diplomatic solution to the conflict, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas said after arriving at the meeting of the EU foreign ministers.

“The EU foreign ministers are focused on a diplomatic resolution. They are particularly concerned about the threat of escalation, which could have significant consequences. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz by Iran is a huge threat and would not be good for anyone,” Kallas noted.

In her speech, Kallas did not mention the other parties involved in the conflict—Israel and the United States. However, he did not rule out that the EU might return to sanctions against Iran to prevent the resumption of Tehran’s nuclear program.

“There are obligations for Iran under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), and deadlines are approaching. There is a mechanism that allows restoring sanctions if the situation related to Iran’s nuclear program does not improve,” Kallas stated, adding that “Iran’s economy is not in a good state, which is not good for the Iranian people, and we are working to ensure Iran does not resume its nuclear weapons program, as everyone agrees that Iran should not have nuclear weapons.”