Iran’s New Foreign Minister Demands EU Dialogue

Iran’s newly appointed foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, has expressed a desire for dialogue with the European Union to address and resolve bilateral issues, following a phone conversation with the EU’s top diplomat.

In a statement released on Thursday evening, Araghchi emphasized that “The Islamic Republic of Iran welcomes the enhancement of relations with the European Union in a climate founded on mutual respect.”

Over recent years, relations between Iran and the EU have strained. The EU has raised concerns over Iran’s nuclear activities, its support for the Palestinian group Hamas, backing Russia in the Ukraine conflict, and ongoing human rights violations.

Araghchi further mentioned that improving relations would “require dialogue to address issues between the two sides and to correct the misguided policies of European nations.”

Meanwhile, EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell, in a post on social media platform X, stated that he had discussed with Araghchi the “prospects for renewed engagement on all issues of mutual interest,” emphasizing the importance of “de-escalation and restraint,” halting military cooperation with Russia against Ukraine, and nuclear non-proliferation.

Borrell described this “critical dialogue” as essential for reducing regional tensions.

Tensions have escalated after Iran and its Lebanese ally Hezbollah threatened retaliations against Israel following the killings of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran and a senior Hezbollah commander in Beirut late last month.

Araghchi, who assumed his new role on Wednesday, is noted for his openness to the West. He previously served as Iran’s chief nuclear negotiator and played a significant role in securing the 2015 agreement that saw Iran curtail its nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief.

However, this agreement was undermined in 2018 by then U.S. President Donald Trump, and attempts to revive it since 2022 have yet to succeed.