EU Foreign Policy Chief Visits Tehran

Federica Mogherini, the EU's foreign policy chief, arrived in Tehran on Saturday with a political and economic delegation. She is in Tehran for a one-day visit, during which she met with Mohammad Javad Zarif, the Iranian Foreign Minister, and participated in a joint press conference at the end of their meeting. In this press conference, Zarif described Mogherini's visit as a new beginning and stated that four joint statements between Iran and the EU would be signed. Ali Mahjoubi, head of the office of the German parliamentary deputy, told Radio Farda that the expansion of EU relations with Iran is positive. According to the German news agency, Mogherini mentioned the banking problems Iran faces in connecting to the global banking network, stating that companies and trading partners with Iran also encounter these difficulties. She noted that several banks are reluctant to reopen financial relations with Iran due to fears of U.S. financial penalties, and the EU cannot force these banks to establish financial relations with Iranian banks, but the EU will make every effort to resolve banking issues. Discussions are also expected to take place regarding the establishment of a permanent diplomatic office of the EU in Tehran. The Syrian crisis and human rights conditions in Iran are other key topics of Mogherini's discussions with Iranian officials. Ahead of Mogherini's visit to Iran, over 60 members of the European Parliament sent a letter to the EU foreign policy chief, urging her to prioritize discussions on human rights issues during her visit and to use this trip as an opportunity to address human rights concerns in Iran.