EU concerned by Iran missile work

The European Union said on Monday it was gravely concerned by Iran's ballistic missile launches and tests and called on Tehran to stop activity that deepened mistrust and destabilized the region, the VOA reported.

Iran has expanded its missile program, particularly its ballistic missiles, in defiance of opposition from the United States and expressions of concern by European countries. Tehran says the program is purely defensive.

"The Council is ... gravely concerned by Iran's ballistic missile activity and calls upon Iran to refrain from these activities," the EU said in a rare joint statement on Iran.

"Iran continues to undertake efforts to increase the range and precision of its missiles, together with increasing the number of tests and operational launches. ... These activities deepen mistrust and contribute to regional instability."

Tehran should refrain in particular from any work on missiles designed to be capable of delivering a nuclear weapon, the EU said.

A UN Security Council resolution that enshrined Iran's 2015 nuclear deal with world powers called upon Tehran to refrain for up to eight years from work on ballistic missiles designed to deliver nuclear weapons.

Iran says its missile tests are not in violation of the resolution and denies its missiles are capable of carrying nuclear warheads.

In the 12-point statement, the European Union said it was committed to the landmark 2015 accord and welcomed Iran's implementation of its nuclear-related commitments.