The European Union has reaffirmed this Monday that it will continue to collaborate "closely" with the United States and with other G7 and international partners to "maintain pressure on" Iran in order to achieve de-escalation. Furthermore, it has insisted on the need for "diplomatic efforts" that allow for reaching a peace agreement and ensuring freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.
The community bloc has disseminated this position in a statement made in the context of the meeting of finance ministers and central bank governors of the G20, which takes place on August 31 and September 1 in the American city of Asheville.
In the statement, the EU again demands that Iran stop its nuclear and ballistic missile program, end its military support for Russia's war against Ukraine, and cease the repression against its own citizens. At the same time, it emphasizes the importance of sustaining diplomatic efforts to close a peace agreement and protect "safe transit" through Hormuz.
The text also recalls the "broad sanctions" already imposed with the aim of "preventing Iran from taking advantage of the global economy and financial system" to support "its hostile actions and undermine international security," and warns of the possibility of applying "additional measures, if necessary," to defend European security and interests.
In this line, the Twenty-Seven express that they welcome "with satisfaction" the initiatives aimed at "ensuring that Iran ceases its destabilizing activities" and engages "in good faith" in peace talks, also "through greater economic pressure," including the Economic Marginalization Operation, under the leadership of the United States.
"The EU will continue to collaborate closely with the United States and other G7 and international partners to maintain pressure on Iran and contribute to de-escalation and regional stability," concludes the joint statement.