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Merz: EU could ease sanctions on Iran if deal reached with US
2026-04-24 19:31:35 / BOTA
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said the European Union is ready to gradually ease sanctions on Iran if a comprehensive agreement is reached.
"Reducing sanctions could be part of the process," Merz said after the EU summit in Nicosia.
"And, no one has objected to this," he said.
Merz described this as "part of the assistance" that Europe can offer to advance the process and hopefully help achieve a long-term ceasefire.
This stance was received cautiously by several other EU leaders.
Antonio Costa, president of the European Council, during a joint press conference after the meeting said that it is still too early to discuss lifting any sanctions on Iran.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen made similar comments.
Merz made these statements at a time when the EU is said to be developing emergency plans to cope with a shortage, in the near future, of jet fuel and to maximize refinery output due to rising energy prices, linked to the war with Iran.
Europe is more dependent on jet fuel imports than any other type of transportation fuel, with around 75 percent coming from the Middle East.
Jet fuel prices have risen sharply since the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which was effectively closed by Tehran after the United States and Israel launched attacks on Iran on February 28.
European airlines have warned that, if the conflict continues, ticket prices could rise, flights could be canceled and planes could be grounded.
The US has extended a temporary ceasefire with Iran - which was due to expire on 22 April - but a blockade of Iranian ports remains in place. The parties failed to reach an agreement to end the war during talks in Pakistan on 11-12 April. /REL
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