The aim is to “de-escalate” the situation in the Middle East following the deadly attack by the United States on Iranian General Qassem Soleimani in Iraq.
“De-escalation of tensions”
Borrell announces the invitation one day after a telephone conversation with Zarif. In that conversation he emphasized “the importance for the de-escalation of tensions, to exercise restraint and to prevent further escalation.”
–
–
Borrell also said he urged Zarif to maintain the historic 2015 nuclear agreement with the permanent members of the UN Security Council plus Germany. US President Donald Trump said this unilaterally in May 2018 and imposed sanctions on Iran.
No revenge
Trump has warned Iran today not to take revenge for the death of Soleimani. If that does happen, then counterattacks will follow immediately, Trump says on Twitter.
–
–
Trump says the Americans have 52 Iranian sites in sight. “Some of them are very important for Iran and Iranian culture. We will strike fast and hard. The US no longer wants threats.”
–
–
