EU foreign policy chief: Iran nuclear deal could lead to new era of co-operation in the Middle East

European Union foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini has said the nuclear agreement with Iran could transform relationships between the country and the European Union, leading to the resolution of some of the region's worst crisis.

Mogherini met Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif on 28 July, who confirmed that Iran and the EU will start talks on various issues including confronting terrorism. Mogherini said implementing the deal could lead to a new era in the wider Middle East.

"It's an agreement that is a nuclear-related agreement, but its potential is much wider, much broader than this. It is a deal that has the potential to open a new chapter," Mogherini said.

"The new chapter we can open is a different framework for the region. This is probably going to be one of the most difficult chapters to be opened, but I believe that this is going to be one of the most relevant ones.

"If we will manage to support a different understanding of the dynamics in the region, one that is based on co-operation rather than confrontation or competition, this would lead to benefits for all in the region and beyond. And I believe there will be an added value in a process that could hopefully find solutions to many crises around us, starting from the one in Syria and the fight against terrorism but also others."

The agreement was reached on 14 July in Vienna between Iran and the United States, France, Russia, China, Britain and Germany. It is intended to end more than a decade-long standoff over the country's nuclear programme.