EU Holds Line on Iran Sanctions as Tehran Denounces 'Hypocrisy' and U.S. Tanker Seizures

Overview

• European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said it is too early to lift EU sanctions on Iran and that only a fundamental change in Iran would prompt relief.
• She framed the measures as a response to Iran’s repression, with EU listings that freeze assets in Europe and bar several hundred individuals and entities from entering the bloc.
• Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei called the EU approach double standards and hypocrisy and said the sanctions punish ordinary Iranians rather than protect rights.
• Baghaei also condemned recent U.S. seizures of Iranian-linked tankers as piracy, arguing the actions violate international law and put crews and shipping safety at risk.
• The statements highlight a widening standoff that now links human-rights pressure to maritime enforcement, leaving little sign of near-term de-escalation.