Tehran Welcomes EU Move to Normalize Ties

Iran's Foreign Ministry welcomed a resolution passed by the European Parliament on Tuesday, which advocates expansion of Iran-European Union ties after last year's nuclear deal between Tehran and major powers.

The resolution entitled "EU strategy toward Iran after the nuclear agreement" also highlights the role Iran can play to help resolve regional issues, restore stability to the Middle East and defeat terrorism.

It urges the Iranian government to take more measures to improve the human rights situation in the country and voices concern over Iran's ballistic missile tests.

Iran and the six major powers (the US, Britain, France, Russia, China and Germany) signed the nuclear deal in July 2015. The accord, which came into force in January, places constraints on Tehran's nuclear program in return for sanctions relief.

Foreign Ministry Spokesman Bahram Qasemi said, "The European Union's resolution on the normalization of relations with the Islamic Republic indicates this institution's positive will to promote ties with Iran."

However, he said, "the European Parliament's resolutions need to reflect a more constructive and realistic approach."

Qasemi added that some parts of the document, including those related to the human rights issue and Tehran's defense program, "are not consistent with the realities on the ground."