High Representative/Vice-President Josep Borrell spoke over the phone with the new Foreign Minister of Iran Hussein Amir-Abdollahian on Friday. They discussed EU - Iran relations following the change of Iranian government, the way forward on the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) and the latest developments in Afghanistan and its regional and humanitarian implications.
 
High Representative Borrell, as the Coordinator of the JCPOA Joint Commission, underlined the great importance of a quick resumption of the Vienna talks to bring the JCPOA back on track. He expressed his concern about the recent nuclear steps by Iran and the overall trajectory of the nuclear programme and underlined the importance of close cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). He recalled the need for all the participants of the talks to have a realistic and flexible approach to the negotiations, in order to reach a compromise that will be in the interest of all.
 
High Representative Borrell and Minister Amir-Abdollahian also discussed the situation in Afghanistan after Taliban takeover. The High Representative noted that the situation in the country requires the most urged attention and that the role of regional and international partners is crucial in ensuring stability inside and outside in the region. They agreed to stay in touch and keep consulting on the situation.