Iran vows 'proportionate, firm' response to new sanctions mulled by EU

By Syed Zafar Mehdi

TEHRAN, Iran (AA) – Iran's foreign minister has taken strong umbrage to his German counterpart's remarks, warning that "undermining old ties" will have "long-term consequences."

In a tweet on Thursday, Hossein Amir-Abdollahian said "provocative, interventionist and undiplomatic stances" are not an indication of "sophistication and wisdom."

He was reacting to German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock's remarks made on Wednesday that the EU will consider new sanctions on Iran over the "brutal crackdown" on ongoing protests.

"We are working flat out on the next package of sanctions," Baerbock wrote in a series of tweets. "We want to adopt it next week."

"We won't let up. We stand with the men and women of Iran, not only today, but as long as it is necessary," she hastened to add.

The top German diplomat also noted that the bloc is looking to have a "special session on Iran at the UN Human Rights Council.

Amir-Abdollahian, in response, said Germany "can choose engagement to address shared challenges or confrontation."

"Our response will be proportionate and firm," he stressed, referring to the next package of sanctions being considered by the EU.

Iran has been rocked by widespread protests since mid-September following the death of a 22-year-old Iranian woman, Mahsa Amini, in police custody following her detention by the morality force for allegedly wearing "inappropriate dress."

While Iranian authorities have denied any foul play in her death, Amini's family and protesters say she was beaten in custody.

The official death toll is still not known, but more than 300 people, including children and women, have been killed in protests, according to Iran Human Rigths, a Norway-based non-governmental organization, with Tehran blaming Western powers for "stoking unrest" in the country.

Last month, the EU designated 11 Iranian individuals and entities for "violent response" to protests over Amini's death.

The designated individuals and entities included top officials of the country's morality police as well as the minister of information and communications and law enforcement agencies.

"The European Union and its member states condemn the widespread and disproportionate use of force against peaceful protestors," the bloc said in a statement at the time, calling it "unjustifiable and unacceptable."

Late Wednesday night, Baerbock said Germany was tightening curbs on Iran beyond the EU sanctions package.

She said that visas in the future will be issued to those holding service and diplomatic passports "only where absolutely necessary," and additional entry restrictions will be imposed on those affiliated with Iranian organizations listed by the EU.

"There can be no 'business as usual' in bilateral relations with a state that treats its own citizens with such contempt for human rights," Baerbock said at the time.