EU Foreign Ministers Criticize Iran's 'Threat to International Peace'

The European Union stated that the foreign ministers of member countries discussed the topic of 'Iran's threat to international peace' and 'the detention of foreign nationals by the Islamic Republic for leverage' at their recent meeting. Kaya Kalas, the EU's foreign policy chief, announced on Monday, January 28, after the ministers' meeting, that the foreign ministers of the 27 member states negotiated about 'Iran's ongoing threats to international peace' and clearly stated that Tehran's practice of detaining foreign nationals for political leverage must cease. Iran has repeatedly detained foreign or dual nationals and released them in exchange for political and economic concessions, as well as the release of prisoners close to the Islamic Republic abroad. A recent example was the detention of Cecilia Sala, an Italian journalist, by the Islamic Republic following the arrest of Mohammad Abedini Najafabadi, an Iranian-Swiss businessman accused of circumventing US sanctions against Iran at Milan Airport. Mr. Abedini was released and returned to Iran a few days after Cecilia's release. Meanwhile, several European citizens remain imprisoned in Iran. The EU's foreign policy chief further emphasized that the foreign ministers will have 'deeper' discussions regarding Iran and the EU's policy towards it in the near future. Although she did not specify the 'deeper' topics to be discussed, Iran's nuclear program has been a growing concern for the international community over the past few years. The EU also announced that it has provided $134 billion in financial aid to Ukraine against the military aggression of Russia, making it Ukraine's largest financial supporter. Andriy Sybiha, Ukraine's foreign minister, who spoke via video conference at the meeting, stated that they need more military equipment and air defense systems, as well as training for Ukrainian soldiers. He also welcomed the EU foreign ministers' decision on Monday to intensify sanctions against Russia, stating that increased military support for Ukraine and intensified sanctions against Russia are two sides of the same coin. In this meeting, the EU foreign ministers also discussed the new US government led by Donald Trump. Kaya Kalas emphasized that the policies of the new US government have significant implications for the EU: 'As the United States moves towards a deal-based approach, Europe must unify its ranks. We are stronger when we are united, and this is a view that all members emphasized.' The EU foreign ministers stressed the economic power of the EU and that it is a geopolitical partner for the US, stating that Washington is considered our closest ally. Ms. Kalas remarked, 'Our enemies cooperate very closely with each other, and we must follow the same path. Europe and North America will be stronger and safer together.'