EU's message to Iran: Return to the table

A package of restrictive measures against Iranian sectors, such as trade, financial services, energy and transport, and certain individuals and companies (visa ban and freezing of assets) was adopted on 26 July by the Foreign Affairs Council. At the same time the Council called on Iran to agree on a concrete date for talks with Catherine Ashton, the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, and the six countries, to rebuild international confidence in the civilian nature of Iran's nuclear programme.

© European Union, 2010

"We sent quite a powerful message to Iran. Its nuclear programme is giving us problems. We invite Iranians to return to the negotiating table", stressed Catherine Ashton.

The Council reaffirmed the longstanding commitment of the EU to work for a diplomatic solution of the Iranian nuclear issue. Proposals made to Iran in June 2008 are still valid. The aim of the EU is a settlement which would rebuild international confidence that the Iran's nuclear programme is exclusively peaceful. The ultimate goal of the Union is to establish a comprehensive relationship with Iran, involving cooperation in all fields, nuclear energy for peaceful purposes included.

A "Decision implementing the measures contained in UN Security Council Resolution 1929" as well as accompanying measures were approved by the Foreign Affairs Council in accordance with the European Council declaration of 17 June 2010.

The measures will be applied particularly to Iranian banks, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and the Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines.

More information:
Council conclusions