The head of the European Commission considers the easing of sanctions against Iran premature, as the reasons for their imposition have not been eliminated. Ursula von der Leyen said this to journalists on 27 April in Berlin.
“That reason is Iran’s behaviour towards its own population. This year alone, at the beginning of the year, the regime has killed 17,000 young people. It is the suppression of human rights, in particular women’s rights in Iran, and many other issues that caused the sanctions,” the EU chief recalled.
Von der Leyen added that the lifting of sanctions requires “fundamental changes in Iran,” which, in her opinion, it is too early to talk about.
Gradual easing of sanctions against Iran is ready to consider, in particular, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, which he announced on 24 April. But on the condition that his government goes for a “comprehensive agreement” that would include the permanent opening of the Strait of Hormuz, an end to Iran’s nuclear programme, and – the security of Israel.