Brussels, 16 January 2026 (dpa/MIA) - EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on Thursday that the European Union is exploring tougher sanctions against Iran, but added she does not want to comment directly on what military action the United States or Israel might take.

"I cannot comment on other countries' activities. That's for them to decide what they do," she said at a press conference on the sidelines of political talks in Cyprus.

At the same time, she emphasized that "what is happening in Iran is abhorrent, and the killing of the young people is human tragedy."

Von der Leyen also pointed out that the EU is working on new sanctions against those responsible for the brutal suppression of protests in Iran.

She said these are intended to help bring about an end to the current government in Iran. Existing EU sanctions are having an effect and are weakening the regime, she said.

Photo: EPA