EU Leaders Say Sanctions Relief for Iran Premature Amid Ongoing Talks

Middle Eastern outlets present EU sanctions as a key tool to push Iran on its nuclear program and regional involvement, while noting divisions inside Europe over how hard to press. They often stress that Gulf states and Israel want the EU to keep pressure on Iran until it reins in missile work and support for armed groups. They expect any sanctions relief to be gradual and tightly linked to verifiable steps by Iran, such as limits on enrichment or reduced backing for proxies.

• •Gulf governments urge the EU to maintain sanctions until Iran curbs support for regional militias.
• •Middle Eastern commentators describe EU sanctions as one of the few strong economic pressures on Tehran.
• •Regional coverage notes that some European politicians see phased sanctions relief as a bargaining tool, not a gift.
• •Israel is reported to favor continued EU pressure to restrict Iran’s missile and drone programs.
• •Middle Eastern reports say business communities in the region watch EU decisions closely because they affect trade routes and energy flows.