EU and Germany Urge Restraint from All Parties After Iranian Nuclear Scientist Killed in Terror Attack

EU "This Terror Act Violates Principles of Human Rights Respect"
Iran "Retaliation Against Those Responsible"

[Asia Economy Reporter Naju-seok] The European Union (EU) and Germany have called for restraint from all parties in connection with the death of scientist Mohsen Fakhrizadeh, who led Iran's nuclear development, in a terrorist attack.

Iranian citizens are taking to the streets to mourn the death of nuclear scientist Mohsen Fakhrizadeh, who lost his life in a terrorist attack.
[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

On the 28th (local time), a spokesperson for the European External Action Service (EEAS), which oversees the EU's foreign policy, stated that in the small city of Absard near Tehran, Iran's capital, "an Iranian government official and several civilians were killed in a terrorist attack," criticizing it as "a criminal act and a violation of the principles of respect for human rights."

However, the EEAS argued that in such uncertain times, it is important for all parties to remain calm and exercise maximum restraint to prevent escalation of the situation.

Fakhrizadeh was transported to a hospital after the terrorist attack in Absard but ultimately lost his life.

A spokesperson for the German Foreign Ministry also mentioned that with only a few weeks left until the inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden, "it is important to maintain room for negotiations with Iran so that the dispute over Iran's nuclear program can be resolved." Germany urged all parties to refrain from actions that could further worsen the situation.

Iran and the United States view Israel as being behind the assassination of Fakhrizadeh in this incident.

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran's Supreme Leader, stated on Twitter, "Those responsible must be retaliated against," and added, "The scientific and technological activities of the martyr Fakhrizadeh must continue."

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani also said, "The assassination of martyr Fakhrizadeh shows the depth of the enemies' despair and hatred," and "His martyrdom has not delayed our achievements." President Rouhani referred to "the evil hand of 'global arrogance' using Zionists as mercenaries, stained with blood," implying that the United States killed Fakhrizadeh through Israel.

John Brennan, former Director of the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), tweeted, "This is a criminal act and a very reckless move," adding that "it risks deadly retaliation and new regional conflicts."

Meanwhile, the Biden transition team has not yet made any statement regarding this terrorist attack.