The European Union on Sunday adopted the framework for lifting its sanctions against Iran, although the measure will only take effect once Tehran has met its obligations under a landmark nuclear deal, EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini said.

"This is another important milestone that brings us a step closer to the beginning of implementation of the (nuclear agreement agreed in July), to which we are strongly committed," Mogherini said in a joint statement with Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif.