BRUSSELS/TEHRAN: The return of widespread sanctions against Iran’s nuclear program “must not be the end of diplomacy” with the country, the EU’s top diplomat said on Sunday.

While the bloc will follow the UN in reimposing sanctions, “a sustainable solution to the Iranian nuclear issue can only be achieved through negotiations,” Kaja Kallas said.

The British, French and German foreign ministers said in a joint statement they would continue to seek “a new diplomatic solution to ensure Iran never gets a nuclear weapon.”

Iran condemned as “unjustifiable” the reinstatement of sanctions. 

“The reactivation of annulled resolutions is legally baseless and unjustifiable ... all countries must refrain from recognizing this illegal situation,” the Iranian Foreign Ministry said.

Iran “will firmly defend its national rights and interests, and any action aimed at undermining the rights and interests of its people will face a firm and appropriate response,” it added.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio urged Iran to “accept direct talks, held in good faith.”

He also called on UN member states to “immediately” implement sanctions to “pressure Iran’s leaders to do what is right for their nation, and best for the safety of the world.”

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian rejected any nuclear negotiations that would cause “new problems.”