TEHRAN, (TDI): Iran is set to hold nuclear talks with France, Britain, and Germany on January 13 in Geneva, Switzerland, local media reported on Wednesday, citing a Foreign Ministry official.
“The new round of talks between Iran and three European countries will take place in Geneva on January 13,” said Kazem Gharibabadi, Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister for Legal and International Affairs, as quoted by the ISNA news agency.
He clarified that these discussions are intended as “consultations, not negotiations.”
Concerns Over Uranium Enrichment
The European countries had previously accused Iran, on December 17, of increasing its stockpile of highly enriched uranium to “unprecedented levels” without providing “any credible civilian justification.”
They have also suggested the possibility of reinstating sanctions to prevent Iran from advancing its nuclear programme.
In an earlier meeting on November 29 in Geneva, Iran engaged in discreet discussions with the three powers. At that time, Gharibabadi described the talks as “candid.”
Iran’s Stance on Nuclear Energy
Iran has consistently defended its right to nuclear energy for peaceful purposes and denied any intention of developing nuclear weapons.
Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has issued a religious decree, or fatwa, prohibiting the pursuit of atomic weapons.
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On Monday, Iran’s security chief, Ali Akbar Ahmadian, reiterated that the country’s nuclear doctrine remains unchanged, emphasizing that Iran is not pursuing atomic weapons.
Historical Context
The January 13 talks come just one week before Donald Trump’s scheduled return to the White House. During his first term, Trump unilaterally withdrew the United States from the 2015 nuclear accord in 2018 and reimposed severe economic sanctions on Tehran.
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The 2015 agreement, signed by Iran and major world powers, including France, Britain, and Germany, had led to the easing of international sanctions in exchange for restrictions on Iran’s nuclear program.
