Berlin (TDI): In a bid to revive diplomatic engagement on Iran’s nuclear program, the three key European powers Germany, France, and the United Kingdom (collectively known as the E3) are preparing for fresh discussions with Tehran in the coming days.
The move comes after a tense period following airstrikes by the US and Israel on Iranian nuclear sites last month. Talks between Iran and the E3 had previously been put on hold due to those developments.
“Iran must never acquire a nuclear weapon. That remains our core objective,” a German official emphasized, reaffirming the E3’s commitment to finding a viable and transparent solution through diplomacy.
Iran’s semi-official Tasnim news agency confirmed that Tehran is open to engaging in talks with the European bloc, although discussions about the time and venue are still ongoing.
Read More: US, Allies Set August Deadline for Iran Nuclear Agreement
The E3 last met with Iranian officials in Geneva on June 21, notably, just a day before the US bombardments began.
Adding to the diplomatic activity, Russian President Vladimir Putin hosted Ali Larijani, a senior advisor to Iran’s Supreme Leader, at the Kremlin on Sunday. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated that Larijani shared Tehran’s perspective on the rapidly deteriorating situation.
While Russia maintains close ties with Iran, it has avoided fully endorsing Tehran’s position since the escalation began, opting instead to call for de-escalation and political resolution.
Read More: EU Offers to Help Revive Iran Nuclear Talks
The 2015 nuclear deal, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), had originally imposed curbs on Iran’s nuclear program in return for sanctions relief. However, that agreement was severely weakened when the United States unilaterally withdrew during Donald Trump’s presidency.
Now, the European trio has warned Tehran that it may consider activating the JCPOA’s “snapback” mechanism, a clause that would allow for the reinstatement of sanctions if Iran is found to be violating the agreement.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has dismissed such threats, calling them baseless and counterproductive. “The E3 have no legal or ethical grounds to reimpose sanctions. If they genuinely seek a role, they must abandon outdated pressure tactics,” he said on social media.
Tehran has made it clear that any future negotiations with the United States are off the table if they require halting Iran’s uranium enrichment activities.
Farkhund Yousafzai is an Associate Editor at The Diplomatic Insight.
