The European Union is considering sanctions against certain Israeli ministers following their controversial statements about Palestinians. Josep Borrell, the EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs, announced the initiation of a process to determine whether these ministers should be added to the sanctions list. Borrell’s remarks come ahead of a meeting of EU foreign ministers in Brussels, where he highlighted concerns over the hateful rhetoric from Israeli officials, which he said is “clearly contrary to international law.” This move targets ministers like National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, who has supported arming settlers in the West Bank, and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, who justified the deliberate starvation of Palestinians as a “moral act.”
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Arakchi issued a stern warning to the UK, Germany, and France, accusing them of making a “new strategic mistake” regarding Tehran’s nuclear program. In a social media post, Arakchi said, “Iran will give a tough and determined response to the violation of its rights,” criticizing the European trio for backing a resolution against Iran at the IAEA Board of Governors.
Arakchi condemned the move as baseless, recalling past disputes in 2005 which led to the expansion of Iran’s uranium enrichment. “Have these three really not learned any lessons in the last twenty years?” he said.
Meanwhile, the IAEA reported on May 31 that Iran’s 60% enriched uranium stockpile had grown from 274.8 kg in February to 408.6 kg by May 17. In response, the UK, Germany, and France are reportedly preparing to refer Iran’s file to the UN Security Council, which could activate the “snapback” mechanism and reimpose UN sanctions.
TR