Next week could see EU and Iran nuclear talks - Reuters
Photo: Iran and the EU are preparing new talks on the nuclear deal by the end of August (Getty Images)
Iran, the UK, France, and Germany may hold a new round of talks on Tehran's nuclear program as early as next week, according to Reuters.
The exact date and location of the meeting are still being agreed upon. The prospect of renewed dialogue emerged after strong warnings from European countries.
Representatives of the E3 (the UK, France, and Germany) said they could trigger the UN sanctions snapback mechanism against Iran if talks are not resumed by the end of August or fail to produce concrete results.
As is known, these countries are parties to the 2015 nuclear deal between Iran, the US, China, Russia, and the EU.
The agreement provided for the lifting of sanctions in exchange for limits on Iran’s nuclear program.
In 2018, the US withdrew from the deal, after which tensions over the nuclear issue only increased.
Tensions after US attacks
A new wave of diplomatic activity began following the first phone call in a long time between the foreign ministers of the E3 and the EU's foreign policy chief with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.
The contact occurred amid heightened tensions after US and Israeli attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities.
According to Araghchi, the West must "worn-out policies of threat and pressure" and "act responsibly." Tehran insists its nuclear program is purely peaceful.
Before the air conflict between Israel and Iran began, Tehran and Washington had already held five rounds of indirect talks mediated by Oman.
However, the parties failed to resolve key disagreements — particularly over uranium enrichment, which the West demands be reduced to zero.
Negotiations with Iran
The US proposed creating a regional consortium to enrich uranium outside Iran — this initiative was discussed by US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. However, Iran rejected the proposal.
Meanwhile, French President Emmanuel Macron announced a comprehensive diplomatic plan developed with the UK and Germany. It covers not only Iran’s nuclear program but also its ballistic missile program.
The foreign ministers of the three European countries expressed readiness for further talks with Tehran but stressed that US involvement in diplomacy is essential.
At the same time, US President Donald Trump gave Iran a two-week ultimatum to return to the negotiating table. During this time, the White House is expected to decide on possible US involvement in Israel’s operation against Iran.
