Any interim peace agreement between the United States and Iran must be followed by in-depth talks on Tehran’s nuclear stockpile, missiles and other important issues, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas said.
Speaking at a press conference in Islamabad on 1 June, Kallas said she saw a “weak diplomatic opportunity” to extend the current temporary ceasefire and reopen the Strait of Hormuz despite the exchange of attacks overnight by both Iran and the United States.
“Any temporary understanding between the United States and Iran should be followed by deeper talks on Tehran’s nuclear arsenals and other critical issues,” the bloc’s top diplomat said at a joint press conference with Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar.
Kallas praised Pakistan’s role as a mediator in the Gulf crisis and expressed the EU’s willingness to contribute to a peaceful resolution of the US-Iran dispute, citing the group’s “economic clout, hard-won nuclear expertise, long-standing relationships with partners across the Gulf and direct engagement with Iran itself.”
“I see a concrete role for the EU in helping to ensure the sustainability of any eventual agreement – be it maritime operations or economic incentives that promote long-term stability,” she said, suggesting “strict conditions” for a “measured path towards lifting sanctions” on Iran.
On 31 May, some US media reported that US President Donald Trump has demanded changes to the proposed agreement with Iran. The changes reportedly concern the status of the Strait of Hormuz and the disposal of highly enriched Iranian uranium. In a social media post on 1 June, Trump said, “Iran really wants a deal and it will be good for the U.S. and those with us.” He did not provide details. Iran accused the United States on 1 June of making “contradictory demands” in peace talks amid a new round of attacks.