The EU's top diplomat strongly condemns the arbitrary detention of numerous EU citizens, including those with dual nationality, in Iran.

During a meeting held on Tuesday on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York with Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, Josep Borrell, the EU's Foreign Policy Chief, raised critical concerns regarding EU-Iran bilateral relations and the latest developments concerning the JCPOA nuclear agreement.

Borrell reiterated his call for the immediate release of all EU citizens in Iranian custody. In a statement released on the EU's official website, the bloc emphasized that its stance remains unchanged regarding the deeply troubling human rights situation within Iran.

"Iran must ensure the preservation of fundamental freedoms, as articulated by all 27 EU Member States on the anniversary of Mahsa Amini's tragic death."

Regarding the JCPOA, Borrell stressed the importance of pursuing a path of de-escalation. He urged Iran to reconsider its decision to revoke the official status of around one third of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) inspectors in Iran and to enhance its cooperation with the watchdog.

On Saturday, Iran withdrew the designation of several inspectors tasked with verifying activities in Iran under the Non-Proliferation Treaty Safeguards Agreement. Rafael Grossi, the Director General of the IAEA, stated, “This profoundly regrettable decision by Iran is another step in the wrong direction and constitutes an unnecessary blow to an already strained relationship between the IAEA and Iran in the implementation of the NPT Safeguards Agreement."

Borrell also expressed his strong belief in the necessity of seeking a diplomatic resolution to the Iran nuclear issue within the framework of the JCPOA and once again urged the Iranian government to cease its ongoing military cooperation with Russia in the unlawful war of aggression against Ukraine.