TEHRAN- Iran and the European Union engaged in discussions regarding the lifting of sanctions, according to a statement from Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister for Political Affairs. 

Ali Bagheri Kani took to X, formerly Twitter, to announce his recent consultations with European counterparts, including the deputy chief of EU foreign policy and the EU special representative for West Asia, Enrique Mora and Sven Koopmans, respectively. 

Describing the meetings as "useful," Bagheri emphasized the critical need to halt the Gaza genocide and protect innocent lives. 

He underscored the continuation of such dialogue on mutual interests between Iran and Europe.

Back in February, Iran’s Bagheri Kani said that cordial ties with neighboring countries are a prerequisite to the ultimate expulsion of U.S. occupation forces from West Asia. 

Speaking at a TV program, Ali Bagheri Kani said the Islamic Republic has prioritized the policy of de-escalating tensions with regional and neighboring states and will not allow foreigners to take advantage of possible gaps.

“By consolidating our very strategic and deep-rooted relations with neighboring countries, including Azerbaijan, we show a serious will to create a stable region through collective cooperation and security in order to provide a basis for the U.S.'s withdrawal from the region,” he added.

“The U.S.’s withdrawal from the region requires us to create a brotherly, friendly and unbreakable bond with neighbors. This is a decisive and strategic decision of the Islamic Republic of Iran’s government.”

The senior diplomat also hailed the government’s strategic interaction with the neighboring countries.