The European Union said on Monday it was ready to propose tougher sanctions on Iran following what it described as a violent crackdown on protesters.
Speaking at a news conference in Brussels, European Commission spokesperson Anouar El Anouni said the bloc stood in solidarity with the Iranian people and condemned the use of force.
“We do stand in full solidarity with the Iranian people, and we condemn the use of force against demonstrators. We are appalled by the reports of casualties,” he said.
El Anouni said the EU was prepared to move ahead with new measures, but that any decision would require the backing of all member states.
“We stand ready to propose new, more severe sanctions following the violent crackdown on protesters. This is a decision for Member States to take unanimously in the Council,” he said.
He added that the EU already had a legal framework in place targeting those responsible for serious human rights violations in Iran.
“We have a dedicated legal framework that is targeting perpetrators of serious human rights violations and abuses in Iran,” he said.