Von der Leyen: EU will not ease Iran sanctions without tangible changes

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has firmly stated that the European Union will not consider easing sanctions against Iran unless significant and verifiable changes occur within the country. Speaking ahead of the G7 summit in France, she emphasized the principle that sanctions are designed to incentivize behavioral shifts.

"The principle of sanctions is that before we start thinking about lifting them, we must see real changes on the ground," von der Leyen said. She elaborated that if behavior changes reliably and sustainably, sanctions can be lifted. Conversely, she added, "As long as behavior does not change, sanctions cannot be lifted."

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The principle of sanctions is that before we start thinking about lifting them, we must see real changes on the ground.

Von der Leyen distinguished between the various reasons for EU sanctions on Iran. She pointed out that sanctions imposed due to human rights violations and concerns over weapons of mass destruction could be treated separately from those related to Iran's nuclear activities. This distinction suggests a potential pathway for easing certain economic restrictions, such as those impacting oil and gas exports and financial sectors, which are tied to the nuclear program, while maintaining pressure over human rights issues and support for Russia's war in Ukraine.

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Sanctions are introduced to encourage changes in behavior. If the behavior changes reliably and sustainably, they can be lifted. However, the reverse rule also applies: As long as behavior does not change, sanctions cannot be lifted.