The European Union would like the visit of Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif to Brussels to take place as soon as possible.
Although it is not necessary for this to happen before or during the Extraordinary Council of the EU Foreign Ministers scheduled for next Friday, said a representative of the press service of the European Commission Peter Stano at a briefing.
Earlier in January, EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrel invited Zarif to Brussels to discuss ways of de-escalation in the region, expressing concern over the death of General Kassem Soleimani as a result of the U.S. special operation. Borrel then wrote on Twitter that an extraordinary meeting of the EU Foreign Ministers’ Council was called for January 10, which will focus, among other things, on the latest developments in Iran.
“Minister Zarif’s visit to Brussels to continue cooperation with the EU head of diplomacy has no direct link with the Council of Foreign Ministers (EU)”, – Stano said.
However, he still does not confirm Zarif’s visit.
“As I said yesterday, when we have information about it, we will inform you”, – said the EC representative.
“It doesn’t have to be before, during or immediately after the Council of EU Foreign Ministers. But the sooner, the better, because de-escalation is very important”, – said Stano.
Iran also announced earlier in January that it had waived the last key limitation on that country’s nuclear program, calling the move “the last”. European Commission leader Ursula von der Leyen said the EU was deeply concerned about Iran’s announcement that it would no longer comply with the OHRD restrictions. The EU considers it important that Iran returns to the nuclear deal.