Iran condemns EU sanctions, vows to reciprocate
Spokesman of Iran’s Foreign Ministry Nasser Kanaani strongly condemned the latest European Union sanctions against a number of Iranian people and entities, saying that the Islamic Republic will soon reciprocate and impose sanctions against relevant European individuals and entities.
Kanaani made the announcement on Monday hours after the EU imposed sanctions on 11 Iranian people and 4 entities over the recent unrest in the country, accusing them of human rights violations.
The spokesman described the EU measures as a violation of international law and blatant interference in Iran’s internal affairs.
He said that it is a matter of deep regret that the EU has made this wrong, unconstructive decision which is totally invalid and rejected.
Kanaani said that the move is based on political motives, and unfounded and distorted information, as well as allegations made by enemies of the Iranian nation and their affiliated media outlets.
The spokesman also said the move indicates a continued hostile policy towards Iran, and is a sign of using human rights issue as a tool to achieve political purposes.
He said that the Iranian nation has already regarded the European Union as a great violator of human rights over its accompanying and non-practice on illegal US sanctions and its so-called maximum pressure campaign against Iran.
Kanaani dismissed all accusations leveled against the Iranian individuals and entities targeted by the EU measures, saying that Tehran will soon announce and impose sanctions on relevant European people and entities in response.
The targeted Iranian entities include the country’s Morality Police and Law Enforcement.
The bloc imposed its measures over the recent riots that broke out in Iran following the death of Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old woman who died in police custody.
The Iranian government says it upholds the right to peaceful protests, but rejects any form of rioting and has blamed foreign elements for the recent unrest in different cities.
Iranian police have released footage of Amini at a Tehran station where she fainted and collapsed.
A forensic report and an inquiry by the Iranian parliament have concluded that the young woman, who was from the city of Saqez, had underlying condition and did not die due to blows to her body.