Iran to Hold Nuclear Talks with UK, France, Germany in Rome Ahead of Key Discussions with US
Iran is scheduled to hold nuclear discussions in Rome on Friday with the United Kingdom, France, and Germany, as confirmed by Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi. The talks are part of ongoing efforts to address strained relations amid high-stakes nuclear negotiations between Tehran and Washington.
The meeting in Rome will take place ahead of a fourth round of nuclear talks later this weekend between Iran and the United States, also set to occur in Italy.
Araqchi commented on the European nations’ role in the nuclear discussions, stating that, in his view, the three countries (collectively known as the E3) had lost their influence in the matter due to misguided policies. However, he emphasized Iran’s readiness for talks with them. “We do not want this situation, and we are prepared to engage in dialogue with them in Rome,” Araqchi stated in an interview with state media.
Earlier reports indicated that Iran had proposed a meeting with the E3, which are signatories of the 2015 nuclear agreement, from which the US withdrew under President Donald Trump’s administration in 2018. The E3 political directors have since confirmed their participation in the upcoming Friday talks.
Trump had previously warned of military action unless a new nuclear deal was agreed upon. Since the US exit from the deal, Iran has surpassed the agreement’s nuclear limitations, prompting concerns from the European nations, who share the US’s apprehension that Iran could be pursuing nuclear weapons. Iran, however, maintains that its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes.
The expiration of the UN Security Council resolution supporting the 2015 deal is approaching in October. France’s foreign minister, Jean-Noel Barrot, warned on Tuesday that France would not hesitate to reinstate international sanctions if the ongoing negotiations fail to yield results.
These sanctions, he noted, would severely damage Iran’s economy by cutting off its access to vital technology, investment, and European markets.
In response, Iran’s UN representative criticized France and its partners, urging them to cease issuing threats if they genuinely seek a diplomatic resolution.
Meanwhile, the US Treasury Department recently imposed new sanctions on a network operating out of Iran and China, accusing it of helping Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps procure ingredients for ballistic missile propellants.
Araqchi criticized these sanctions, claiming that such actions sent a negative signal during the negotiations.
Despite these tensions, Trump remains confident that a new agreement can be reached to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.
