Iran’s foreign minister invited to Brussels by European Union to de-escalate tensions in the region
Iran’s foreign minister has been invited to Brussels, the European Union said, urging a “de-escalation of tensions” in the Middle East region after the U.S. airstrikes that killed a top Iranian general.
European Union’s foreign policy chief Josep Borrell talked with Iran’s Foreign Affairs Minister Javad Zarif over the weekend, an EU statement.
“Borrell invited the Iranian Foreign Minister to Brussels to continue their engagement on these matters,” it said.
Expressing his deep concern about the violent confrontations in Iraq, the EU official said a regional political solution was the “only way forward.” He also underlined “the importance of preserving” the 2015 Iran nuclear deal during talks with Iranian foreign minister.
He shared, in a tweet, that he discussed recent developments with Iranian foreign minister and urged for restraint to avoid further escalation.
Earlier in a statement issued on January 3, the EU’s foreign policy chief, called on all the actors involved and partners “to exercise maximum restraint and show responsibility in this crucial moment.” He warned that the current crisis may jeopardize years of efforts to stabilize Iraq and threatens the whole region, “which has suffered immensely and whose populations deserve life in peace.” He urged for dialogue and efforts to enhance mutual understanding and said that the EU is ready to engage with all sides to defuse tensions.
Regional tension escalated since Friday after the assassination of Iranian General Qasem Soleimani in an airstrike near Baghdad’s international airport. The White House and the Pentagon claimed responsibility for the attack, saying it was carried out at the direction of U.S. President Donald Trump.
