We consider this step wrong. We have said this repeatedly
in the past weeks and months. We in the European Union
agree on this. Above all, Germany agrees with our friends in France
and Britain, and within the European Union we are working with new
instruments like the Special Purpose Vehicle to make sure
trade continues with Iran. Because we are firmly convinced
that the agreement we reached (2015 Iran nuclear accord) prevents
Iran from to pursue uranium enrichment for military purposes.
Therefore we are not joining the U.S. on this path.
In response to the sanctions which are in place from
this week onwards, we are working to ensure that the Iranian
economy does not completely collapse, which would lead
to destabilization and in our view boost radical forces.
Our stance against sanctions have been clear from the beginning.
It is not new. We have always reiterated
this especially regarding the issues related to oil.
There is no alternative. Therefore, we will absolutely
not abide by such sanctions.