Ursula von der Leyen says EU will not lift sanctions on Iran after US‑Iran agreement

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced that the European Union will keep its sanctions on Iran in place, despite the signing of a US‑Iran memorandum of understanding on June 19 to end the war. Speaking on June 15 ahead of the G7 summit, she said any diplomatic thaw must be tied to concrete changes in Tehran’s domestic policies and respect for human rights.

At the same time, the EU failed to reach a consensus on new trade sanctions against Israel during a Foreign Affairs Council meeting in Luxembourg. An initiative led by Spain and Ireland to suspend the EU‑Israel Association Agreement over alleged violations of international law in Gaza was blocked, reflecting deep divisions within the bloc over its policy toward Israel.

Public opinion across many European countries is increasingly critical of Israel’s actions in Gaza, with recent polls showing growing support for Palestinian rights and widespread demonstrations, boycotts, and campus protests.