EU working on new sanctions on Iran over protests: German minister

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - The European Union (EU) is working a new package of sanctions against Iran over the ongoing violent crackdown on countrywide protests, Germany’s foreign minister announced on Wednesday. 

“We are working flat out on the next package of sanctions,” Annalena Baerbock tweeted, adding that they would be adopted next week. 

“We stand by the men and women of Iran, not just today, but as long as it is necessary,” she added.

Protests broke out across Iran following the death of Mahsa (Zhina) Amini while in police custody on September 16. The bloody crackdown by authorities has so far resulted in the death of at least 304 people, including 41 children, according to Oslo-based Iran Human Rights. 

EU foreign ministers are set to meet in Brussels next week. The bloc, as well as the UK and the US have already slammed sanctions on Iran over the protests, targeting the country’s controversial morality police and officials. 

Last month, the EU also approved a new set of sanctions over Iranian-made drones being used by Russia in its war in Ukraine. 

Rallies have been held across the world in solidarity of the protests in Iran. 

Recent developments have also slowed down the progress made towards reviving the nuclear deal, formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).