Call for Realistic European Approach to Iran’s Developments

Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian called on European officials to adopt a realistic approach about recent developments in Iran, highlighting the importance of broader relations between Tehran and the western bloc.
“We view Iran’s cooperation with the European Union within a broader framework,” he said in a phone conversation with EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell, ISNA reported. 
Different cities in Iran saw unrest following the death of a young girl, Mahsa Amini, in police custody, but gradually turned into violent clashes between protesters and security forces. 
“The death of Mahsa Amini was source of sorrow for all of us … but this was only an excuse for some western authorities,” the foreign minister said. 
He added while riots are treated in the most heavy-handed manner in Europe and such measures are regarded as acceptable there, the same behavior in a legal framework cannot be considered a crackdown. 
“Peaceful demands are different from turmoil, murder, arson and terrorist activities,” he said. 
Borrell had contended earlier this week that “people in Iran, as anywhere else, have the right to peaceful protest. It’s as simple as that. And it’s clear that this right has not been ensured.”
He had also said the EU was considering slapping restrictive measures on Iran over its behavior with protesters, but did not give further details.
After the phone call, he said the EU was contemplating “all options”.
The EU diplomat intends to discuss the issue during the next meeting of EU foreign affairs ministers, scheduled to take place on October 17.
Sanctions require the unanimity of the 27 member states.

Anchorage of Stability 

Amir-Abdollahian stressed that the Islamic Republic enjoys strong popular support and efficient democracy and is no place for velvet or color revolution. 
“Iran is the anchorage of stability and lasting security in the region.” 
He also called attention to the Islamic Republic’s role in the fight against the self-styled Islamic State terrorist group which benefited the security of European continent. 
In a separate conversation with his Portuguese counterpart Joao Gomes Cravinho, Amir-Abdollahian also noted that Iran is faced with terrorist groups in its eastern and western borders where weapons have been smuggled into the country in recent weeks. 
Some countries have made interventionist remarks, describing the riots and terrorist activities as protest and practically provoking further disorder, according to the diplomat.
Iran has accused terrorist and separatist groups in Iraqi Kurdistan Region for exploiting recent peaceful assemblies in some Iranian cities, and backing terrorist attacks that targeted Iranian civilians and civilian infrastructures.
In response, Tehran has conducted several military operations in the Kurdistan region. 
“[Some European countries] have even put a resolution and sanctions on the agenda of the upcoming meeting of the Council of the EU, in which case, the Islamic Republic would take reciprocal action,” he said. 
Members of the European Parliament have called for EU sanctions against Iranian security forces over what they called their “widespread, intentional and disproportionate” use of force against demonstrators.
“The response of the Iranian security and police forces to the protests has been violent, indiscriminate and unrestrained, and has resulted in substantial loss of life as well as a large number of injuries,” MEPs alleged in a non-binding resolution approved last Thursday.
The EU executive arm is putting forward a package of sanctions against at least 15 Iranian people and entities linked to the death of Amini, the diplomats said, adding it could formally be adopted as early as next week.
“We must hold those accountable that are responsible for the repression of women,” European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen asserted earlier Wednesday in a speech to EU ambassadors. 
“I believe now is the time to sanction those responsible. The shocking violence inflicted on the Iranian people cannot stay unanswered.”
EU sanctions require the unanimous agreement of all 27 member states.
Last week, the United States also sanctioned seven Iranian officials it said played a role in an internet cutoff and protest crackdown and earlier imposed sanctions on the country’s morality police.