The European union does not want to be drawn into the crisis around Iran and, in essence, remains a bystander, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko said in an interview with Sputnik.
“The European Union’s inability to agree on specific measures for a joint response to the current escalation in the Middle East, with the exception of sanctions pressure on Tehran, and its readiness to deploy the Aspides and Atalanta naval operations deployed in the immediate vicinity of the Strait of Hormuz to ensure freedom of navigation only after the cessation of hostilities – all this suggests that Brussels is essentially remaining an observer in the situation surrounding Iran,” Grushko said.
According to the diplomat, it is also clear that the EU does not want to be drawn into a conflict on “two fronts.”
“But the main focus remains on a settlement without abandoning the ultimatum demands of Tehran – respect for human rights, curtailment of missile and nuclear programmes, and ‘an end to military support for Russia,'” the diplomat explained.
On February 28, the US and Israel began striking targets in Iran, killing more than 3,000 people. On April 8, Washington and Tehran announced a two-week ceasefire. Subsequent talks in Islamabad ended without result. No resumption of hostilities was reported, but the US began a blockade of Iranian ports. Mediators are attempting to organise a new round of talks.
