The European Union and the United Kingdom on Monday voiced deep concern over Iran’s expanding nuclear program and its continued imprisonment of foreign nationals, according to a joint statement issued after high-level talks.
“We continue to be deeply concerned by the dangerous expansion of Iran’s nuclear program, alongside its behavior in the region and on European soil,” the statement read.
The EU and UK also condemned what they described as Iran’s use of “hostage diplomacy,” calling for an immediate end to the detention of foreign nationals under politically motivated charges.
"We condemn Iran’s unjust detention of foreign nationals and call on Iran to halt its practice of hostage diplomacy," read the statement.
In January the European Parliament adopted a motion for a resolution condemning Iran’s detention of European Union citizens, labelling the practice as “hostage diplomacy" accusing Iran of using the prisoners for political ends.
Despite mounting tensions, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to securing a negotiated resolution to Iran’s nuclear issue and maintaining regional stability.
The joint statement also expressed support for political progress in Syria and Lebanon, backing efforts toward peace, stability, and reform in both countries.
The remarks come amid stalled nuclear diplomacy and rising concern among Western powers about Iran’s growing stockpile of enriched uranium and regional influence through proxy groups.
