The EU dispatched Enrique Mora, deputy secretary-general of the European External Action Service, to the swearing in of Ebrahim Raisi on Thursday. The hardline cleric has an appalling human rights record and is accused of being involved in the execution of thousands of political prisoners in the 1980s.
He was one of four judges who sat on tribunals that became known as the “Death Committee” – earning him the moniker the “Butcher of Tehran”.
News that Mr Mora attended the swearing in of such a controversial figure was slammed by many, including Israel.
Lior Haiat, spokesperson of the Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs, tweeted: “The decision of the European Union to send a senior representative to the swearing-in ceremony of the ‘Butcher of Tehran’ is puzzling and shows poor judgment.”
The “EU participation gives legitimacy to the Iranian attack and the policy of aggression” of the Iranian government, he added.
READ MORE: Joe Biden health fears: President will resign or be forced out says Dr
Since then tensions with the country and much of the rest of the world have soured.
But growing discontent among ordinary Iranians as the cost of living increases despite the economy stagnating may force Mr Raisi back to the table.
After being sworn in he vowed to support “any diplomatic plans” to end sanctions on Iran.
But in a warning to US President Joe Biden, he warned: “All illegal US sanctions against the Iranian nation must be lifted.”
Around the same time, US state department spokesman Ned Price said: “We urge Iran to return to the negotiations soon so that we can seek to conclude our work.
“Our message to President Raisi is the same as our message to his predecessors… the US will defend and advance our national security interests and those of our partners.
“We hope that Iran seizes the opportunity now to advance diplomatic solutions,” he said.
But he added: “This process cannot go on indefinitely.”
A spokeswoman for the EU told Express.co.uk: “EEAS Deputy Secretary-General Enrique Mora attended the inauguration on behalf of the HR/VP.
“It is crucial to engage diplomatically with a new administration and directly pass important messages.
“As coordinator of the JCPOA, the HRVP’s key priority is to resume negotiations in Vienna and facilitate the way back to full JCPOA implementation.
“Our position is well known: we have a balanced policy approach with Iran, through dialogue, critical when there are divergences and cooperative when there is mutual interest.”