“We think that this step is wrong,” said German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas in relation to US’ re-imposition of sanctions against Iran, targeting the country’s energy and banking sectors.
According to Energy Reporters, he told the media that “Germany would take measures to protect the nuclear agreement” of which US pulled out back in May in a unilateral and unlawful move that triggered criticism and condemnation from the international community.
Maas said the energy sanctions could boost tensions in wider West Asia and threaten European security, Energy Reporters added.
He added that EU is taking necessary measures so that the Iranian economy would not collapse and lead to destabilization.
“We are now working to forge new instruments within the European Union, such as the special purpose vehicle, to make sure that business can still be done with Iran,” Maas told a Berlin press conference.
Brussels is working on the SPV to help maintain the economic benefits of the nuclear deal for Iran in the face of US’ withdrawal and re-imposition of sanctions.
On Nov. 2, Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif held a phone call with EU's top diplomat Federica Mogherini and foreign ministers of three European signatories to the JCPOA, namely France, UK and Germany, calling for the implementation of a so-called "Special Purpose Vehicle" to facilitate Iranian oil exports.
Mogherini and three European foreign ministers emphasized their commitments to the JCPOA and efforts to maintain effective financial channels with Iran, as well as the continuation of Iranian oil and gas exports.
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