Iran and European Nations Set to Resume Nuclear Negotiations

In a bid to address growing tensions, Iran is scheduled to meet with representatives from Britain, France, and Germany in Istanbul on Friday, as confirmed by the Iranian foreign ministry. This development comes shortly after these European nations expressed their willingness to reimpose sanctions on Iran due to a lack of progress in negotiating a renewed nuclear agreement.

In a statement to the press, spokesman Esmail Baghaei indicated that Iran has consented to engage in the new negotiation round. The three European countries remain involved in the 2015 nuclear deal, which was originally established during the Obama presidency but was abandoned by the Trump administration. Recently, Britain, France, and Germany agreed to the reinstatement of United Nations sanctions by the end of August unless they see significant advancements toward a new nuclear framework.

Their goal is to reestablish limitations on Iran's uranium enrichment capabilities. Additionally, they are urging Iran to enhance its cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the UN's nuclear oversight body. Following targeted military actions against its nuclear facilities by the United States and Israel in June, Iran halted its collaboration with IAEA inspectors, who had previously monitored its uranium reserves. Despite these developments, no progress has been made between Iran and the United States regarding the renewal of nuclear discussions.

Amelia Nierenberg is a Times reporter covering international news from London.