Iran crisis: EU frantically holds talks with Tehran in bid to lower tensions

The diplomat’s visit to Iran has come following an increase in tensions between the US and Iran in recent months. The Iranian General Qassem Soleimani was assassinated in a drone attack, ordered by Donald Trump, in January. Iran responded with a missile attack on military bases in Iraq where American forces were present.

Mr Borrell’s visit began with a meeting with Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, followed by talks with President Hassan Rouhani and parliament speaker Ali Larijani.

The office of the EU’s high representative for foreign affairs and security policy said Mr Borrell’s trip was aimed at “de-escalating tensions and seek opportunities for political solutions to the current crisis”.

They said that the trip will allow the diplomat to convey the EU’s strong commitment to preserve the nuclear deal.

Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Abbas Mousavi told a news conference that Tehran hoped Borrell’s visit would help the European Union “understand” its situation and prompt the bloc to “show goodwill by taking serious measures”.

In January, Mr Borrell urged a de-escalation of tensions in the Middle East in a talk with Iran’s Foreign Affairs Minister Javad Zarif.

Shortly after the killing of the Iranian military commander Qassem Soleimani, Borrell called on Iran to “carefully consider any reaction”.

The killing of Soeleimani, who was considered a national hero to many in America, came at a time of soaring tensions across the Middle East.

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Shortly after the general’s death was announced, Mr Trump posted a picture of the American flag on Twitter.

President Trump also wrote on Twitter: He wrote: “General Qassem Soleimani has killed or badly wounded thousands of Americans over an extended period of time, and was plotting to kill many more…but got caught!”

He was directly and indirectly responsible for the death of millions of people, including the recent large number of PROTESTERS killed in Iran itself.”

Former Iranian diplomat Seyed Hossein Mousavian, who attended General Qassem Soleiman’s funeral in Tehran, said the top officer’s killing was “an act of war”.

Mr Borrell has just visited Jordan.

He tweeted yesterday: “The EU and Jordan share the commitment to a two-state solution and respect for international law.

“We need solutions that can be accepted by both parties in this long-lasting conflict.”

source: express.co.uk