The European Union has reimposed sweeping sanctions on Iran.
This comes after the United Nations over the weekend triggered the snapback mechanism under the 2015 nuclear accord, reinstating global restrictions on Tehran’s nuclear and ballistic missile activities.
“Today, the EU reinstated sanctions against Iran in response to its continued non-compliance with the nuclear agreement.
“The door for diplomatic negotiations remains open,” the EU presidency announced in a statement on Monday.
The EU’s measures include a freeze on the assets of the Iranian Central Bank and other major financial institutions, travel bans on key Iranian officials, and a ban on the purchase and transport of Iranian crude oil.
The bloc is also blocking the sale or supply of gold and specific naval equipment to Iran.
These steps follow the UN’s decision to restore its own sanctions after Western powers accused Tehran of repeatedly breaching the terms of the 2015 deal.
Iran has denounced the renewed sanctions as “unjustifiable,” warning they will heighten regional tensions.
Despite the escalation, EU foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas stated that diplomacy remains possible, urging Tehran to return to compliance and re-engage in negotiations to prevent further deterioration of the standoff.
