FNA - Iranian Ambassador to Iraq Iraj Masjedi underlined strong and extensive ties between Tehran and Baghdad, calling on Iraq and the European countries not to accompany Washington in anti-Iran sanctions.

"We expect the Iraqis to take into account the interests of the people of Iraq and mutual interests of the two countries. The US sanctions are nothing new for the Islamic Republic. In the past, even the UN Security Council imposed sanctions and Europeans supported them. But this time the question is different. It is only the US that has pulled out of the deal and turned to sanctions, pressure and threats. These things can make no one succumb. We expect the Iraqi government and others, including the European countries, not to sacrifice their interests and their mutual interests with the Islamic Republic for the US policy and aspirations," Masjedi told the Kurdish Rudaw news agency on Monday.

Asked if Iran will continue exports of its goods to Iraq and the Kurdistan Region after US sanctions, he said, "Currently, we have very good relations with the Kurdistan Region, including political relations. Presently, the Islamic Republic has two representation offices in the Kurdistan Region � a consulate office in Erbil and one in Sulaimaniyeh. We have very good political relations too."

He stressed strong economic relations between Iran and Iraq, and said, "This is reflected in business exchanges in Bashmagh, Parvizkhan, Tamarchin and Haji Omaran crossings. That is why the Islamic Republic has love and high respect for the Kurdish people and the KRG. We will hopefully try to develop economic, political, scientific, academic, and cultural relations."

The US Treasury Department announced all sanctions on Iran lifted under the 2015 nuclear deal would be back in force on November 5.

The EU foreign policy chief and three European foreign ministers in their statement slammed the re-imposition of Washington's fresh sanctions on Iran.

The statement described the 2015 agreement as "crucial for the security of Europe, the region and the entire world", adding, "It is Europe's goal to protect European economic operators engaged in legitimate business with Iran."

The statement also vowed to preserve and maintain effective financial channels with Iran, and the continuation of Iran�s export of oil and gas.

"These efforts have been intensified in recent weeks, particularly those underpinning the European initiative to establish a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) on which we are proceeding with work to set up,� the statement said.

According to the statement, the SPV will enable continued sanctions lifting to reach Iran and allow for European exporters and importers to pursue legitimate trade.