BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 24. Antonio Costa, Ursula von der Leyen add it is 'too early' to consider easing sanctions on Iran, TurkicWorld reports via Anadolu Agency.
European Council President Antonio Costa said Friday that "real peace" in the Middle East "can only be achieved by defending international law in a consistent and principled way."
Speaking after an informal EU leaders meeting, alongside European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Greek Cypriot leader Nikos Christodoulides, Costa said Europe is operating in a "challenging security environment" that requires a "360-degree vision for sustainable peace and security."
"The European Union is not part of the conflict, but we will be part of the solution," Costa said, referring to ongoing tensions between the United States, Israel, Lebanon and Iran.
He welcomed recent ceasefires involving the US, Iran, Israel and Lebanon, calling them "welcome developments," but stressed that all parties must now "engage in good faith to achieve peace."
"As we support diplomatic efforts towards reaching a negotiated solution to this conflict, our principles are clear: real peace can only be achieved by defending international law in a consistent and principled way," he added.
Von der Leyen said EU leaders had begun discussions on the mutual defense clause of the EU treaties, describing it as "very strong" in principle but lacking clarity on operational procedures.
She added work is ongoing with EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas and the defense commissioner to define responsibilities and coordination mechanisms.
Iran sanctions
On Iran, von der Leyen said any easing of EU sanctions must be strictly conditional.
"We believe that sanctions relief should be conditional on verification of de-escalation, particularly on progress, on the international effort to contain its nuclear threat, and on a change to the repression of its own people," she said.
Costa backed this position, saying it is "too early" to consider easing sanctions, stressing that any diplomatic process must address not only Iran's nuclear programme but also ballistic missile activity and regional "proxy" groups.
Earlier on Friday, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz urged Iran to resume negotiations with the US, saying European countries are prepared to gradually ease sanctions if Tehran engages constructively and a comprehensive agreement can be reached.
