European nations eagerly reached out to Iran in the year following the signing of a historic nuclear deal between Iran and the world's six major powers. The European Union – along with the United Kingdom, France, and Germany – played a critical role in the nuclear negotiations. They were also among the first to seek greater political and economic ties with Iran after the deal. Other countries, such as Italy, also quickly sought to renew trade ties that had been stifled during the last round of E.U. sanctions. Around half of the 140 economic delegations that visited Iran between March and December 2015 were from European countries.
The nuclear deal was implemented on Jan. 16, 2016, and certain U.S., E.U., and U.N. sanctions were lifted. Less than 10 days later, President Hassan Rouhani embarked on his first visit to Europe. "Expansion of relations with E.U. members is among Tehran's main policies," he said before the trip. The following is a rundown of European outreach to Iran in the year since the deal was signed.
European Union
EU's top negotiators @FedericaMog and Helga Schmid visit Iran President Rouhani in Teheran today. pic.twitter.com/BeRhKUD8xz
— Negar نگار (@NegarMortazavi) July 28, 2015
Meeting w/ @FedericaMog now:#IranDeal gave the world new hope re diplomacy's role in resolving international problems pic.twitter.com/GXZgn6QDMM
— Hassan Rouhani (@HassanRouhani) July 28, 2015
#Iran president #Rouhani & #European Parliament president @MartinSchulz met in #Tehran.pic.twitter.com/fKk5ked3ZE
— Abas Aslani (@abasinfo) November 7, 2015
On April 16, 2016, Mogherini and seven other high ranking E.U. officials visited Iran to discuss implementation of the nuclear deal, boost economic ties, and increase cooperation on humanitarian, environmental and social issues. “Our dialogue will be open, critical at times, because we both know that we clearly have different positions on certain files,” Mogherini noted.
Back in Teheran for my second visit after #IranDeal. This time leading a delegation of 7 Commissioners to start #EuIran cooperation.
— Federica Mogherini (@FedericaMog) April 16, 2016
On June 7, 2016, Mogherini said that “The deal does not imply that all our disagreements with Iran have disappeared overnight. Or that they will disappear anytime soon.”
France
In phone call now, #French President @fhollande welcomed #IranDeal & Iran's constructive role in negotiations, leading to peace in region
— Hassan Rouhani (@HassanRouhani) July 23, 2015
#France FM #Fabius: We like to make relationships w/ #Iran. Of course a good one & it is possible. #IranDeal pic.twitter.com/gAmUteegr2
— Nuclear Talks (@NuclearTalks) July 29, 2015
United Kingdom
In phone call just now, #British PM @David_Cameron welcomed #IranDeal & Iran's constructive role in the negotiations.
— Hassan Rouhani (@HassanRouhani) July 16, 2015
Days after re-opening of UK embassy in #Tehran, #Iran hardliners put this up 2 remind that old fox is"historic enemy" pic.twitter.com/aCYkdWuVim
— Ladane Nasseri (@LadaneNasseri) August 27, 2015
Told @HassanRouhani #UK looks forward to working with #Iran on full range of bilateral issues pic.twitter.com/peJInHp5Ns
— Philip Hammond (@PHammondMP) August 24, 2015
We should be forward-looking when it comes to Iran-Britain ties, and seize the opportunity that has arisen post #IranDeal.
— Hassan Rouhani (@HassanRouhani) August 24, 2015
PM: Congratulated @HassanRouhani today on #IranDeal implementation – very good day for international relations https://t.co/csaxf0jhXl
— UK Prime Minister (@Number10gov) January 19, 2016
1st official visit by #Iran FM @JZarif in over 10 yrs- symbol of warming relations.Covered bilateral®ional issues pic.twitter.com/zgFaQKJLcG
— Philip Hammond (@PHammondMP) February 5, 2016
Germany
Meeting with #German Vice Chancellor now. Iran-Germany Joint Commission for Economic #Cooperation to be held in 2016 pic.twitter.com/IgeTeuHoAt
— Hassan Rouhani (@HassanRouhani) July 20, 2015
On June 15, 2016, Zarif traveled to Germany and met with Steinmeier. “The economic cooperation between Iran and Germany has been beneficial to both countries and to the stability of the region and the world,” Zarif said during his a press conference with Steinmeier on June 15.
Italy
Landed in #Rome. Looking forward to deepening bilateral ties & exploring opportunities for #ConstructiveEngagement. pic.twitter.com/PoIgIm7edo
— Hassan Rouhani (@HassanRouhani) January 25, 2016
Renzi accepted Rouhani's offer, and he traveled to Tehran on April 12, 2016 for a two-day visit. Renzi met with Rouhani, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, First Vice President Es’haq Jahangiri, Parliamentary Speaker Larijani, and other officials. Italy reportedly extended Iran 5 billion euros in credit lines and guarantees for exports – one of the most significant economic deals since the nuclear agreement.
Officially welcomed Prime Minister @matteorenzi & the high-ranking #Italian delegation. #ConstructiveEngagement pic.twitter.com/xjkFwes1pe
— Hassan Rouhani (@HassanRouhani) April 12, 2016
Leader in meeting with Italian PM: we see cooperation with #Italy and your government positive & we hope this trip will enhance this view.
— Khamenei.ir (@khamenei_ir) April 12, 2016
Some European companies & states are visiting Iran & negotiate, but there has been no tangible outcome yet; key issue is execution of deals.
— Khamenei.ir (@khamenei_ir) April 12, 2016
Austria
Austria was among the first nations to reach out to Iran following the nuclear deal. Austrian President Heinz Fischer spoke to Rouhani by phone on July 15, 2015, the day after the deal was signed. Rouhani said the agreement would “lay the groundwork for the expansion of ties between Tehran and Vienna.”
Fischer then visited Tehran from Sept. 7 to 9, 2015, accompanied by Foreign Minister Sebastian Kurz, and Economy Minister Reinhold Mitterlehner. Fischer said that he expected bilateral trade between Austria and Iran to reach $335 million in 2015.
Fischer met with Khamenei and Rouhani during his visit. Khamenei praised Austria for not complying with "the United States' hostile policies towards Iran."
That some European countries follow US hostile policies against #Iran is illogical; #Austria, however, is not among those countries.
— Khamenei.ir (@khamenei_ir) September 8, 2015
Rouhani was scheduled to travel to Austria to meet with Fischer and other officials in March 2015. But on March 29, Rouhani abruptly canceled the visit. The trip was postponed due to “security reasons,” according to the president’s website.
Austria’s Interior Ministry claimed to have found “no concrete signs of a security threat.” But Fischer issued a statement asserting that “Every nation has to decide for itself about the safety and security of its head of state.” He added that “The quality of the relations with Iran won’t be touched by this delay and the cooperation in the realm of politics, business, culture, and science will be continued in a comprehensive manner.” The Austrian Chamber of Commerce had said that up to $2.3 billion in deals would have been signed during the visit.
Belgium
Sound implementation of #JCPOA criteria for two parties https://t.co/VX60hWwO4N #Iran #IranDeal #Belgium pic.twitter.com/9tBZ2DwUrT
— Iran (@Iran) November 10, 2015
Spain
Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Garcia-Margallo met with Iranian officials in Tehran from September 7 to 9, 2015. He was accompanied by Industry, Energy and Tourism Minister Jose Manuel Soria, Public Works and Transport Minister Ana Maria Pastor Julian, and a delegation of business officials.
Following a meeting with Soria, Iranian Oil Minister Zanganeh said the two countries discussed the possibility of exporting crude oil and natural gas to Spain. Additionally, Zarif met with Garcia-Margallo, and said that Iran and Spain "agreed to negotiate about human rights and refugee issues.”
Meeting with the #Spanish FM, Minister of Public Works & Transport, and Minister of Industry, Energy & Tourism. pic.twitter.com/ECBB51eOtl
— Hassan Rouhani (@HassanRouhani) September 7, 2015
After the deal was implemented in January, Garcia-Magallo told reporters that Iran and Spain were discussing the construction of a refinery in the Gibralter strait. "Our political relationship with Iran is very good because we moved faster than other countries and are now very well placed for future business," he said on January 18. In April, a delegation from Spain's Barcelona Oil Company traveled to Tehran to negotiate purchases of Iran's petrochemical products.
Switzerland
Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht Ravanchi met with Rossier in Bern on June 16, 2016. The two discussed political and economic ties, the nuclear deal, and combatting terrorism.
Poland
“After years of marginalization and even ostracism, Iran is coming back to the international stage as an important partner – an important player that will influence positive global solutions,” he added. Iran and Poland signed 30 agreements during the visit, according to Mohsen Jalalpour, head of Iran's Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Agriculture.
The Netherlands
Dutch Foreign Minister Bert Koenders met with Rouhani, Zarif, and other officials in Tehran on September 21 and 22, 2015. It was the first time in 14 years that a Dutch foreign minister had visited Iran. Koenders said that Iran was "indispensible" in a "very difficult region in which we have to find peace and stability."
The officials discussed expanding political and economic ties, and Koenders announced that at least three other Dutch ministers planned to visit Iran in the near future.
Minister Koenders is in Teheran vandaag. Voor het eerst sinds 14 jaar dat een Nederlandse minister in Iran is. pic.twitter.com/xEB5vGIdmw
— Thomas Erdbrink (@ThomasErdbrink) September 20, 2015
In April 2016, Dutch Deputy Foreign Minister for Economic Affairs Martin Van den Berg and Iranian Deputy Finance and Economic Affairs Minister Mohammad Khazaei signed 10 memoranda of understanding to improve cooperation in energy, finance, and banking.
Norway
On June 13, 2016, Zarif visited Norway and met with Norwegian Prime Minister Erna Solberg. According to Solberg, the nuclear deal has allowed for greater political and economic cooperation between Iran and Norway. Iran was reportedly in talks with Norwegian oil and gas company Hemla Vantage to secure a $600 million deal to produce and export liquefied natural gas.
Serbia
Now meeting w/ FM of Serbia who mentioned Serbian officials have taken firm decision to expand bilateral ties w/ Iran pic.twitter.com/sHTeoKEc2N
— Hassan Rouhani (@HassanRouhani) August 4, 2015