MADRID – During his visit to Pakistan, Iranian Foreign Minister Sei had a telephone conversation with Abbas Aragci on Monday with Kaja Karas, the European Union’s senior representative for non-European issues and security policy.
This call came at a very important moment for international relations, with a particular focus on regional and global development. There has also been progress in indirect negotiations between Iran and the United States regarding a new nuclear deal to replace the new nuclear deal (JCPOA) that replaces the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) that the United States unilaterally abandoned in 2018.
In the conversation, Minister Araguchi reaffirmed Iran’s commitment to pursuing a diplomatic pathway to resolve the “man-made concerns” surrounding the nuclear programme that Tehran has proven over the years. This diplomatic approach has been consistent since the initiation of JCPOA negotiations in 2015, when Iran signed global authority and agreements to limit nuclear activities in exchange for the removal of international sanctions. However, the unilateral US withdrawal in 2018 is a complicated issue, poses doubts about the viability of the agreement and strains relations between Iran and the West.
Araghchi emphasized that unlocking the negotiation process requires that the European side act with “serious will and realistic visions.” He pointed out that the main concern of the international community is always the fear of Iran developing nuclear weapons. In this regard, the Iranian minister argued that “this obstacle can be overcome” and that reaching an agreement on the issue is entirely achievable if the “unrealistic and illogical” position is avoided. The key, according to the Minister, lies in constructive and practical negotiations that address everything at once a central issue without prioritizing short-term political interests.
E3 and “Snapback Mechanism”
However, relations between Iran and the three European countries have been strained lately. Despite the Minister’s encouraging desire to engage in dialogue, the threat of E3 to activate the so-called “snapback mechanism” remains an imminent concern. This mechanism included in the JCPOA allows European parties to initiate procedures to impose sanctions on Iran if they believe that the country is not fulfilling its obligations under the agreement.
The use of “snapback mechanisms” by European countries will further blur the already tense bond between Iran and E3. Furthermore, Iran’s non-compliance accusations do not have a strong foundation as it was in the United States that unilaterally decided to break the agreement in 2018 and change the terms on which the transaction was signed. International analysts point out that reinvigorating sanctions under “trigger mechanisms” is illogical. Iran coordinated its nuclear program in response to the US withdrawal, but has not exceeded the limits established in the original agreement.
Another important topic addressed in the conversation between Araguchi and Karasu was Iran’s position on the war in Ukraine, which refuted cooperation with Russia. The Iranian minister said his country was not involved in the Ukraine conflict in any way and that cooperation with the Russian Federation was “not directed towards third countries.”
Iran’s position on war in Ukraine is characterized by strategic attention and a balanced diplomatic approach. During the war, Iran has been careful to avoid direct involvement in conflict and to strongly refuse military participation. Sei, the current Iranian foreign minister, reiterated Abbas Aragut’s “Iran has not sent ballistic missiles to Russia,” reaffirming the country’s stance of maintaining neutrality and avoiding further involvement in the conflict. In this respect, Iran is advocating diplomatic resolutions that provide services as a mediator and end Ukraine’s suffering and violence.
At the same time, Tehran has consistently emphasized the importance of “maintaining the territorial integrity and national sovereignty of all countries,” a certain position in Iran’s foreign policy. This statement, made at the time by then President Ebrahim Raisi, reflects Iran’s approach to international conflicts, always appealing to the principle of intervention and respect for national sovereignty decisions. This position allowed Iran to maintain its strategic ties with Russia without undermining its neutrality in the Ukrainian conflict, particularly in the field of energy and military cooperation.
Meanwhile, the Iranian government has been constantly calling for diplomacy to resolve the crisis in Ukraine. In some cases, former Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdrahian stressed that Iran is not supplying arms to either party in the conflict, as opposed to Western countries that provided billions of dollars in military aid to Ukraine. The emphasis on non-intervention and diplomatic resolution is a consistent theme in Iran’s foreign policy, positioning the country as a neutral actor who mediates conflicts.
For now, at least for the time being, the EU is willing to participate in the dialogue.
For her, Karas, representing the European Union, expressed Brussels’ willingness to keep communication channels open with Iran. During the conversation, high EU representatives welcomed the exchange of views on shared concerns and emphasized the importance of maintaining a diplomatic approach to negotiation. EU officials proposed that both deputy ministers cooperate to cooperate in preparing the necessary conditions for the new consultation. The proposal was well received by Araguchi, who emphasized the importance of establishing a solid, trust-based foundation for effectively resuming negotiations.
Karas also expressed her sadness towards the recent explosion at Shahid Rajae Port on behalf of the European Union, resulting in the loss of life and solidarity between the victims and their families.
The current international context presents a complex scenario in which European-US relations are reconstructed. This could have implications for the future of European diplomacy and its relations with Iran. In recent years, Europe has begun to question its traditional ally, the United States, particularly its reliability regarding security issues. As a fracture of transatlantic debt, some European analysts warn that Europe needs to seek greater strategic autonomy not only in its defense but also in relation to power like Iran.
Former NATO Secretary-General Anders Fog Rasmussen recently warned that “trans-Atlantic bonds are collapsing.” In this context, several European countries are beginning to reassess their foreign policy. France, Germany and Spain are trying to clarify a common response to European security challenges, while other countries such as Italy and Hungary are increasingly in line with policies promoted by Donald Trump. This fracture within the European Union could have a significant impact on negotiations with Iran, as some member states may tend to support stricter policies, while others may seek a more diplomatic approach.
European safety debate
The debate on security in Europe is no longer merely a political issue. It is directly linked to the defence of the continent and strategic autonomy. Recently, future German Prime Minister Friedrich Merz said in an interview that “Germany needs to completely rethink its defense agreement and end decades of dependence on Washington.” Such a statement reflects a major shift in German policy, which historically was one of Europe’s closest allies.
As the European Union faces a geopolitical reconstruction, it is clear that relations with Iran can play a key role in redefineing European foreign policy. Although internal tensions continue, dialogue with Iran could provide a pathway for Europe to seek greater autonomy on the international stage, addressing concerns about its security and regional stability.