Europe’s three major powers announced Friday they oppose lifting an arms embargo on Iran that expires later this year.
Foreign ministers from Germany, France and the UK said Iran’s nuclear program, ballistic missile tests and “destabilizing regional activities” remained a serious concern for Europe.
“THE EMBORGO SHOULD REMAIN IN FORCE UNTIL 2023”
“We believe that the planned lifting of the UN conventional arms embargo established by Resolution 2231 next October would have major implications for regional security and stability,” the ministers said in a joint statement following a meeting in Berlin.
“We recall that the EU embargoes on conventional arms exports and missile technology will remain in force until 2023,” according to the statement.
The ministers said they would continue talks with UN Security Council members, particularly Russia and China, but also with other key stakeholders.
UN Security Council Resolution 2231, which enshrined the 2015 nuclear deal between world powers and Tehran, envisages easing the arms embargo beginning in October.