The opening of a European Union office in Tehran could help Europe take further political steps for deepening relations with Iran and help facilitate bilateral trade, a lawmaker said.
"Now that the United States has exited JCPOA and Iran is in talks with Europe to preserve the nuclear agreement with the remaining participants, the establishment of an EU office could lead to Europe's greater political engagement with Iran," Ardeshir Nourian, a member of Majlis National Security and Foreign Policy Commission, told ICANA in remarks published on Monday.
He made the statements in reference to renewed calls by Iran-based European ambassadors for opening an EU office in Tehran after US President Donald Trump abandoned the Iran nuclear deal—officially known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action—and reimposed sanctions against the OPEC member.
European powers have vowed to keep the 2015 accord alive without the US by trying to keep Iran's oil and investment flowing and proposed a new financial mechanism to circumvent US sanctions.
Nourian maintains that an EU center in Iran can contribute greatly to bilateral ties and will help streamline economic and financial transactions.
"Given the situation facing the country today and particularly considering the fact that we are seeking relations with Europe minus America, devising a coordinated mechanism can be very influential," he said.
Certain aspects of Iran-EU relationship require an independent office, the parliamentarian said, but added that such a facility should only be used for diplomatic and economic activities.
"European diplomats should not interfere in the country's internal affairs," Nourian was quoted as saying.
> Europe's Commitments
Qasem Jasemi, another member of Majlis National Security and Foreign Policy Commission, argues that the European signatories to the nuclear agreement should first prove their sincere intentions toward Iran by fulfilling the commitments stipulated in the nuclear pact.
"For an EU office to be opened in Tehran for greater interaction, the EU should meet its obligations under JCPOA," he said in remarks carried by ICANA on Monday.
"One of the commitments undertaken by Europe, which we hope can be implemented soon, is related to the facilitation of economic and trade cooperation between Iran and European firms and banks."
Jasemi noted that it would help mitigate the impact of US sanctions.
Lawmaker Jalal Mirzaei believes that the opening of an EU office in Tehran can be a step forward and help Iran counter the enemy's propaganda campaign.
"Hostile powers are seeking to present a negative image of the Islamic Republic to the world and effective public diplomacy can help stymie their efforts," Mirzaei told ICANA in a recent interview.
"Just because we are suspicious of certain countries, it does not mean that we should not develop our international relations. Such an approach will not contribute to national interests."
