Trying to keep nuclear deal alive, EU unveils Iran aid

The European Union is announcing its first financial support package to help bolster Iran’s flagging economy, part of the bloc’s commitment to keep the Iran nuclear deal alive.

The European Commission unveils Thursday a first tranche of 18 million euros ($21 million) — 8 million for the private sector, 8 million to cope with environmental problems and 2 million for drug abuse.

It’s part of a wider 50-million-euro effort to help Iran cope with economic and social challenges.

The EU considers the nuclear deal vital for global security. It’s tried to keep the agreement alive since President Donald Trump removed the US in May. The move triggered sanctions that hit some European companies doing business in Iran. Tehran announced Monday that French oil company Total SA had left.

— AP