Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. File | Photo credit: AP
Iran’s new Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has called for dialogue with the European Union to resolve bilateral issues after a phone conversation with the EU’s top diplomat.
“The Islamic Republic of Iran welcomes the development of relations with the European Union based on mutual respect,” Mr. Araghchi said in a statement issued on Thursday (August 22, 2024).
Relations between the EU and Iran have deteriorated in recent years.
The bloc accuses Tehran of failing to curb its nuclear activities and supporting terrorists. Palestinian militant group HamasSupport Russia’s war in Ukraineand violating human rights.
Mr. Araghchi said the development of relations requires “dialogue between the two sides to resolve issues and correction of the misguided policies of European countries.”
Meanwhile, EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) that he discussed with his Iranian counterpart “the possibilities for a renewed dialogue on all matters of mutual interest.”
The discussions also covered “the need to reduce tensions and exercise restraint”, as well as “stopping military cooperation” with Russia against Ukraine and nuclear nonproliferation.
Mr Borrell said such “important dialogue” was “essential to reduce regional tensions”.
Iran and its Lebanese ally Hezbollah threatened retaliation against Israel after the killing of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran and a top Hezbollah commander in Beirut last month.
Mr. Araghchi, who assumed office on Wednesday (August 14, 2024), is known for his openness to the West.
He served as chief nuclear negotiator and played a key role in securing the 2015 deal for Iran to curb its nuclear activity in exchange for easing sanctions. That deal was abandoned by then-US President Donald Trump in 2018. Attempts to revive it from 2022 have so far failed.