Rome (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Iran will hold nuclear talks in Rome on Friday with Britain, France and Germany, Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said, with the aim of improving strained ties at a time of high-stakes nuclear talks between Tehran and Washington.
On Monday, Reuters reported that Tehran suggested a meeting with the European nations collectively referred to as the E3, which were involved in Iran’s 2015 nuclear agreement with global powers—a deal U.S. President Donald Trump withdrew from in 2018 during his first term.
Can Iran and E3 revive stalled nuclear diplomacy?
The meeting will take place before a fourth round of nuclear discussions this weekend between Iran and the United States, which will also occur in Italy.
“In my opinion, the three European countries have lost their role (in the nuclear file) due to the wrong policies they have adopted. Of course, we do not want this and are ready to hold talks with them in Rome,”
Araqchi told state media.
E3 political directors affirmed their meeting with Iran is scheduled for Friday. Trump has warned of potential military action against Iran unless a new nuclear deal is reached.
Can Iran convince E3 of peaceful nuclear intent?
Since the U.S. withdrew, Iran has significantly surpassed the limitations set by the 2015 agreement, raising shared concerns among European nations and Washington that Tehran might pursue nuclear weapons. Iran insists that its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes.
A U.N. Security Council resolution approving the 2015 agreement will expire in October. France’s foreign minister stated on Tuesday that Paris would readily reintroduce international sanctions if negotiations do not lead to a successful deal.
“These sanctions would permanently close off Iranian access to technology, investment, and the European market, with devastating effects on the country’s economy,”
Jean-Noel Barrot said.
Iran’s U.N. representative responded:
“If France and its partners are truly seeking a diplomatic solution, they must stop threatening.”
On Tuesday, the U.S. Treasury Department announced fresh sanctions against a network it claims is operating from Iran and China, allegedly sourcing ingredients for ballistic missile propellants intended for Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Araqchi remarked that the U.S. sanctions during negotiations conveyed the “wrong message.”
