Merkel reiterates EU's commitment to avoid escalation of Iran dispute

The European Union wants to avoid an escalation in the dispute about Iran's nuclear programme, German Chancellor Angela Merkel said on Thursday, adding that Tehran must recognise that it is in its own interests to remain committed to the nuclear deal.

Iran announced steps on Wednesday to ease curbs on its nuclear programme, in response to new U.S. sanctions imposed after Washington abandoned the deal a year ago.