The European Parliament adopted a resolution on Iran and its nuclear programme.
The text adopted in plenary was tabled by as a joint resolution by the EPP, S&D, ALDE, Greens/EFA and ECR groups.
Parliament reiterates that the proliferation risks in connection with the Iranian nuclear programme remain a source of serious concern to the EU and is deeply worried by the IAEA report's statement that credible information ‘indicates that Iran has carried out activities relevant to the development of a nuclear explosive device’. Members deeply deplore Iran's acceleration of enrichment activities in violation of six UNSC resolutions. They reiterate its call on Iran to stop developing enrichment technology which goes far beyond the need to ensure secure fuel supplies for civil purposes, with disregard for international concerns over clandestine military intentions.
Parliament renews its call on the Iranian authorities to fulfil Iran's obligations under the NPT and urges Iran to cooperate fully with the IAEA on all outstanding issues, particularly those which give rise to concerns about the possible military dimensions of the Iranian nuclear programme.
The resolution recalls that the EU Foreign Ministers have agreed additional restrictive measures against Iran in the energy sector, including a phased embargo of Iranian crude oil imports to the EU, in the financial sector, including against the Central Bank of Iran, and in the transport sector, as well as further export restrictions, notably on gold and on sensitive dual-use goods and technology.
Parliament supports the additional restrictive measures adopted by the Council against Iran in the energy and financial sectors, as well as additional sanctions against persons and entities, including several controlled by the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC). It recognises that sanctions and diplomatic measures could be helpful in bringing the Iranian government to accept and respect UN resolutions avoiding further escalation. It asks for sanctions or restrictive measures to be targeted at and proportionate to the objective pursued and aimed at influencing mainly the accountable elites of repressive or criminal regimes and the responsible non-state actors of failed states and minimising, as far as possible, the adverse impact on civilian populations, especially the most vulnerable groups.
The resolution strongly condemns the Iranian threat of a closure of the Strait of Hormuz and urges the Iranian authorities not to block the Strait of Hormuz. It also condemns the attack on the UK Embassy in Tehran on 29 November 2011.
Parliament reiterates the EU's long-held position that the outstanding issues with Iran over its nuclear programme must be solved peacefully and that there is no military solution to the conflict. It supports the Council's commitment to work for a diplomatic solution to the Iranian nuclear issue in accordance with the dual-track approach and the EU's objective of achieving a comprehensive and long-term settlement.
Members recognise that the dialogue and cooperation with Turkey can play an important role with a view to reaching a settlement. They regret the ongoing refusal of China and Russia in the UN Security Council to support sanctions against Iran and call on Russia to cease providing assistance with Iran's nuclear development until Iran has fully complied with its obligations under relevant UN resolutions.