Tehran (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Iran will engage in discussions in Istanbul on Friday with European countries regarding their stagnant nuclear deal, as stated by Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi on Wednesday. This follows the postponement of a previously scheduled meeting on May 2.
Earlier reports from Reuters indicated that the Iranian deputy foreign minister is set to meet with French, British, and German diplomats to sustain dialogue and discuss their perspectives on the parameters of a potential new nuclear agreement being negotiated between Tehran and Washington.
How have E3-Iran relations changed recently?
Over the past year, relations between the E3 and Iran have deteriorated despite occasional meetings. This decline occurs amid new sanctions targeting Tehran due to its ballistic missile program, the detention of foreign citizens, and its support for Russia in the war against Ukraine.
The discussions that were set for May 2 were postponed because Britain, France, and Germany—referred to as the E3—were initially cautious. They worried that these talks could establish a separate avenue and undermine the negotiations advanced by the Trump administration, which Washington asserts are intended to stop Iran from developing nuclear weapons.
What does Iran expect from future U.S. positions?
Iranian foreign minister described the fourth round of Iran-U.S. talks on May 11 as “difficult,” emphasizing that discussions centered on the contentious topic of enrichment. He expressed hope that the opposing party would present “more realistic positions” after developing a clearer understanding of Iran’s core principles.
Oman’s foreign ministry will announce a fifth round of talks, having acted as a mediator since April 12.
Moreover, Araqchi responded to U.S. President Donald Trump’s remarks made on Tuesday in Riyadh, where he labeled Iran “the most destructive force” in the Middle East and drew a stark contrast with what he called Saudi Arabia’s “constructive vision.”
“Unfortunately, this is a deceptive view. It is the U.S. that has prevented Iran’s progress through sanctions,”
Araqchi said.
