The European Union is not considering sanctions against Iran following last week’s ballistic missile tests by Tehran, said EU foreign affairs chief Federica Mogherini.

Speaking at a press conference after the meeting of EU Foreign Ministers in Brussels on Monday, Mogherini said the Iranian tests ‘’are not in violation of the nuclear deal’’ and the European Union is not considering sanctions at this stage.

But she warned that the tests could raise tensions in an already volatile region.

France had warned on Sunday that it risked new sanctions as a result of the tests, but Mogherini said that was a matter for the UN Security Council, which met to discuss the issue on Monday.

"This is indeed also in our view not a violation of the (nuclear deal) as such," Mogherini said..

"If there is a violation of UN Security Council resolutions, this should be discussed in the appropriate UN bodies and not necessarily in the European Union Foreign Affairs Council," she added.

UN Security Council Resolution 2231, which took effect in January, “calls on” Iran to refrain from ballistic missile activity.

But sSome Security Council members, such as Russia, argue that the term “call on” isn’t legally binding upon Iran.

The U.S. and Israel contend Iran is prohibited from testing ballistic missiles under the resolution and called for the Council to take action.

Mogherini said that "we expect Iran to fulfil all its international obligations".

She added: "The point is we all see this as a major problematic element when it comes to regional relations... this would increase tensions in the Middle East at a moment when tensions are definitely not needed."

The EU foreign affairs chief also announced that she would go to Tehran in April 16 along with several members of the European Commission. Mogherini is also Vice-President of the European Commission.

‘’We will have political consultations, including copnsultations on human rights, but also dialogue and cooperation on trade and investment, on energy, and also civil nuclear cooperation,’’ she said.

Mogherini last visited Iran in July shortly after the P5+1 world powers (Britain, China, France, the United States, Russia plus Germany) agreed to lift sanctions in return for Tehran accepting curbs on its nuclear programme.

"We will discuss with the ministers on which grounds, on which issues and sectors to re-engage so as to reopen full relations" with Iran, Mogherini said.

Under the Julnuclear agreement, the lifting of sanctions takes place progressively in line with Tehran meeting its commitments.