US Secretary of State Pompeo reaches Europe to discuss Iran issue; ca

Brussels: While there are indications of a conflict sparking in the Middle East over the Iran issue, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has embarked on an unexpected visit to Europe. It was a last-minute decision taken by Secretary of State Pompeo, and it is significant to note that he cancelled a program in the Russian capital of Moscow for this. Just as Pompeo is reaching Brussels, Federica Mogherini,the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, at the European Union, announced complete support for the Iran nuclear deal, clearly indicating that there will be no change in the position of the European Union.

Last week, it was informed that US Secretary of State will be visiting Russia. Sources in both countries said that this was a sudden decision. It was also informed that the topics such as withdrawal from the INF, Venezuela, Syria, North Korea and Iran will be discussed during the visit. The visit was to last for two days, and Pompeo was scheduled to visit Moscow and the city of Sochi, during his stay in Russia.

But an urgent statement was released by the State Department when Pompeo was about to leave the US capital. The statement said that there was a minor change in the Russia visit. It stated that the US Secretary of State will not be waiting in the Russian capital of Moscow, but will first land in Brussels, the capital of the European Union. No explanation for the change in plan was given in the statement.

Meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council of the European Union is scheduled to be held on Monday. Representatives of 27 member countries will be present for the meeting. Venezuela, Sudan, Libya, the Sahel region in Africa and trade with the United States are the topics on the agenda. The visit of the US Secretary of State to Brussels, despite not having even a mention of the Iran issue, in the agenda of the Foreign Affairs Council, becomes significant.

US State Department informed that Secretary of State Pompeo will hold talks with the leaders from the European allies. The release clarifies that the discussions will be held regarding the threats issued by Iran and dangers of the possible actions. The US State Department also said that the Secretary of State will try to coordinate with European countries, to safeguard the US interests in the Gulf and the surrounding regions.

While Pompeo is coming to discuss the Iranian threat, the European Union seems to be firm on its stand. Federica Mogherini, the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, welcomed the Pompeo visit but indicated that it might be difficult to spare time for an independent meeting. Mogherini also clarified that the position of the European Union is firm on the Iran nuclear program and Europe is firm on supporting the international agreement. The statement of the chief of foreign affairs at the European Union, once again brings the dispute, regarding the Iran issue, on the anvil.