TEHRAN – Iran’s foreign ministry spokesman Nasser Kanaani has addressed what he considers a lack of “necessary dynamism” in relations between Iran and Europe, urging European states to chart a course independent from Washington in order to forge closer ties with Iran.

“Naturally, Iran has considered Europe as an important area of focus in the field of foreign relations,” Kanaani said during his weekly press conference on Monday. “The current chill in ties between Iran and Europe may be attributed to Europe's miscalculations or external pressures, particularly from the United States,” the spokesman added before urging Europe “to act independently in its relations with Iran to unlock the full potential of the two sides’ partnership.”

Addressing the issue of reviving the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), Kanaani stressed the importance of all parties, including the United States, fulfilling their commitments under the agreement. “Iran has consistently upheld its obligations under the JCPOA and calls for a responsible return of all parties to the agreement.”

The JCPOA was signed by Iran, the U.S., Britain, France, Germany, China, and Russia in 2015. It limits Iran’s nuclear program in exchange for the termination of sanctions. The deal fell apart when in 2018, Washington announced its withdrawal and re-imposed heavy sanctions against Iran. European signatories to the JCPOA have also stopped all trade with Iran despite not officially leaving the pact.