The European Union (EU) is risking the loss of an "important partner" in its fight against terrorism, stated former Iranian deputy Defence Minister Ali Reza Akbari in the wake of EU's imposition of "groundless sanctions" against Iran.

This comes after the EU, on January 8, slapped sanctions against an Iranian Intelligence Service and two Iranian diplomats, Assadollah Assadi and senior intelligence officer Saeid Hashemi Moghad, for "alleged assassination plots on European Soil".

"The EU has shot itself in the foot by imposing restrictions against the Islamic Republic of Iran, as it risks losing an important partner in its struggle against international terrorism," Sputnik quoted Akbari as saying.

Emphasising that the defense cooperation is essential for both Iran and EU, the former minister further said, "If Iran weakens defenses and decreases the intensity of the struggle, drug trafficking to Europe will increase significantly."

Islamic Republic News Agency, on January 9, reported that Iran is planning to review its security cooperation with the EU following new sanctions.

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