Tasnim – An Iranian lawmaker said the European Union’s request for opening an office in Tehran could be granted if Europeans provide practical economic support for Iran in the face of US sanctions.


Speaking to Tasnim, Chairman of the Iranian Parliament’s National Security and Foreign Policy Commission Heshamtollah Falahatpisheh said the conditions are set for the EU to open a long-awaited office in Iran provided that they launch economic cooperation with Iran in practice.

“Today, Europeans are standing with Iran in the political arena, and if such backing results in cooperation in the economic sphere as well, I believe that the conditions are set for the opening of the EU office in our country in the current situation,” he explained.

Hailing Europe’s political confrontation with the US in support of Iran, Falahatpisheh said the EU office would be opened if Europe alleviates Iran’s concerns in practice.

The EU proposed opening an office in Iran a couple of years ago.

In 2016, Iran’s Foreign Ministry played down expectations for the establishment of the EU office in Iran, saying there was no “precise and comprehensive view” on opening such an office.

In November 2017, Iranian First Vice-President Eshaq Jahangiri said the establishment of an EU office in Tehran was on the agenda of the Foreign Ministry, adding that the office could facilitate the implementation of bilateral agreements.