WASHINGTON (AP) —

The European Union, backed by France, Germany and Britain, says they "deeply regret" the reimposition of all U.S. sanctions on Iran that had been lifted under the 2015 nuclear deal.

In a joint statement Friday, they said they aim to protect European firms "engaged in legitimate business with Iran."

They added that their "collective resolve to complete this work is unwavering."

Their statement called the 2015 nuclear deal "crucial for the security of Europe, the region, and the entire world" and said it "is working and delivering on its goal."

The statement from Federica Mogherini, the EU representative for foreign affairs, said it was jointly issued with the foreign and finance ministers of France, Germany and Britain.

President Donald Trump is tweeting what looks like a movie-style poster that takes creative inspiration from the TV series "Game of Thrones" to announce the reimposition of sanctions against Iran.

Trump tweeted a photo of himself with the words "Sanctions are Coming" Nov. 5. The U.S. sanctions on Iran had been lifted under a 2015 international nuclear pact, but they are being reimposed on Monday.

It's the second batch of penalties that the administration has reimposed since Trump, a former reality TV star, withdrew from the landmark deal in May.