In a significant development, Iranian diplomats convened with their counterparts from the UK, Germany, and France in Istanbul for renewed discussions on Iran's nuclear ambitions, following a series of Israeli airstrikes on Iranian facilities. These strikes had previously escalated into a 12-day conflict that interrupted ongoing US-Iran negotiations.
Iran Engages in Renewed Nuclear Negotiations with European Powers
Iran Engages in Renewed Nuclear Negotiations with European Powers
Diplomatic talks aimed at reviving Iran's nuclear agreement commence amid rising tensions and recent military strikes.
The European trio, known as the E3, expressed their intention to reimpose sanctions on Iran if no substantial progress is observed towards finalizing a new nuclear deal by the end of this month. Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi characterized the discussions as "serious, frank, and detailed," affirming an agreement to continue dialogues.
In previous statements, Gharibabadi suggested that any move to trigger sanctions would be considered "completely illegal." The tensions around the nuclear issue resurfaced after the US withdrew from the 2015 Iran nuclear deal, a pivotal agreement that had initially lifted sanctions in exchange for Iran limiting its nuclear activities. Following the US withdrawal in 2018, Iran responded by gradually violating the deal's stipulations.
With a deadline looming for potential reimposition of severe sanctions, the E3 pushed for urgent negotiations. Concurrently, the International Atomic Energy Agency's (IAEA) director general revealed that Iran has signaled its willingness to engage in technical discussions about its nuclear program. Rafael Grossi emphasized the importance of transparency regarding Iran's nuclear facilities.
Meanwhile, Iranian officials criticized the E3 for supporting US-Israeli aggression, particularly referencing the recent military actions, and insisted that past unconstructive policies needed to be rectified during this diplomatic meeting. Following the deterioration of relations in June, Iran's parliament had even suspended cooperation with the UN nuclear watchdog, heightening concerns about its nuclear activities.
As the talks unfold, both sides face pressure to de-escalate tensions and reach a mutually agreeable framework that can reinstate oversight and ensure compliance with international nuclear regulations.
In previous statements, Gharibabadi suggested that any move to trigger sanctions would be considered "completely illegal." The tensions around the nuclear issue resurfaced after the US withdrew from the 2015 Iran nuclear deal, a pivotal agreement that had initially lifted sanctions in exchange for Iran limiting its nuclear activities. Following the US withdrawal in 2018, Iran responded by gradually violating the deal's stipulations.
With a deadline looming for potential reimposition of severe sanctions, the E3 pushed for urgent negotiations. Concurrently, the International Atomic Energy Agency's (IAEA) director general revealed that Iran has signaled its willingness to engage in technical discussions about its nuclear program. Rafael Grossi emphasized the importance of transparency regarding Iran's nuclear facilities.
Meanwhile, Iranian officials criticized the E3 for supporting US-Israeli aggression, particularly referencing the recent military actions, and insisted that past unconstructive policies needed to be rectified during this diplomatic meeting. Following the deterioration of relations in June, Iran's parliament had even suspended cooperation with the UN nuclear watchdog, heightening concerns about its nuclear activities.
As the talks unfold, both sides face pressure to de-escalate tensions and reach a mutually agreeable framework that can reinstate oversight and ensure compliance with international nuclear regulations.
