EU Wants to Avoid Escalation of Iran Dispute

"We do not want an escalation. We want to use further diplomatic means. We know our limits, but the more Europe is united --- and this was the common position here -- the better chances we have to implement chances and solutions through dialogue," she said, World News reported.

“In my view it's also in Iran's interest to continue to honor this agreement,” the German chancellor added.

US President Donald Trump pulled Washington out of the agreement last year, calling it “the worst deal ever negotiated”. He then reinstated the sanctions that had been lifted under the agreement.

The other signatories to the deal --- the UK, France, Russia, China, and Germany --- however, condemned both decisions and vowed to sustain their participation. London, Paris, and Berlin even announced a financial mechanism in January to circumvent the reintroduced US sanctions.

The Islamic Republic, however, has complained to Europe for its long-delayed introduction of the mechanism as well as its failure to bring it into force.

On Wednesday, Iran’s President Hassan Rouhani announced a decision made by the country’s top security body, the Supreme National Security Council (SNSC), that it was suspending the implementation of part of its commitments under the JCPOA. The decision saw Iran refusing to sell its excess low-enriched uranium and heavy water as it is contractually obliged.

Rouhani stated the Islamic Republic would be taking further steps in 60 days if the other signatories failed again to ensure that it still benefited from staying in the nuclear accord despite the US’s withdrawal.

All the parties remaining in the accord have hailed it as a pillar of regional and international peace and security.

Rouhani likewise reminded Europe of Iran’s crucial role in ensuring security in the region, from the Persian Gulf to the Mediterranean and from the Caspian to the Red Sea. Iran, he added, helped stop the spread of terrorism to Europe and contained the influx of refugees into the continent.

The cooperation leading to the security will cease to exist if the situation continues as it is, he warned.

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