Iran Holds Nuclear Talks with UK, France and Germany
Iran held high-level nuclear discussions with the United Kingdom, France, and Germany on July 25 in Istanbul, marking the first face-to-face talks since recent military strikes targeted Iranian nuclear sites. The meeting was aimed at avoiding the reimposition of United Nations sanctions and finding a way forward for the stalled nuclear negotiations.
Focus on Avoiding Sanctions
The European trio—commonly referred to as the E3—warned Iran that unless it takes immediate steps toward transparency and cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), snapback sanctions could be triggered by the end of August. These sanctions would reinstate previously lifted penalties under the 2015 nuclear deal.
Officials described the talks as “serious and frank,” noting that discussions included Iran’s uranium enrichment levels, the future of the nuclear accord, and steps needed to prevent escalation.
Iran Insists on Enrichment Rights
Iran reiterated that uranium enrichment is its sovereign right and non-negotiable. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi maintained that the country’s nuclear program is intended solely for peaceful energy purposes and rejected pressure from Western countries to scale back enrichment activities.
Tehran also demanded security guarantees and called on European nations to condemn the recent Israeli and U.S. airstrikes that hit several nuclear facilities in June.
Tensions Still High After Military Conflict
The talks come after a 12-day military conflict in June involving strikes on Iranian targets, which had derailed earlier rounds of nuclear discussions. Both sides now face a shrinking window to salvage the deal, with diplomatic options and trust eroding quickly.
Future of Diplomacy Uncertain
Although both Iran and the E3 expressed willingness to continue dialogue, no breakthrough was reached. Iran has hinted it may exit the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty if snapback sanctions are reimposed. Meanwhile, European nations are considering formal steps toward reinstating sanctions if Iran fails to make progress by next month.
The next few weeks are seen as critical in determining whether nuclear diplomacy will resume or if tensions will escalate further in the region.
