EU Sanctions on Iran to Remain Until Concrete Political Changes, Says Von der Leyen
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated that EU sanctions against Iran will not be lifted until real and lasting political changes occur on the ground.
Ahead of the G7 summit in the French resort of Évian-les-Bains, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen clarified that the European Union's sanctions policy towards Iran is based on the principle that tangible changes are needed before any easing of restrictions can be considered. She emphasized that sanctions were imposed to modify behavior and could only be reversed if such changes proved credible and sustainable.
Von der Leyen noted that EU sanctions against Iran are twofold: some target human rights violations, while others address the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. Consequently, economic sanctions related to Iran's nuclear activities could be lifted independently from those imposed for human rights abuses.
Tehran has long sought the easing of sanctions, including measures that ban the export of crude oil, petroleum products, and natural gas to the EU. The sanctions also affect trade, banking, and transportation. Many of these restrictions were introduced under the United Nations framework aimed at preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons.
Additionally, the EU has imposed sanctions on Iranian organizations and individuals accused of supporting Russia's war in Ukraine and being involved in serious human rights violations.
