TEHRAN – Senior Iran and Europe diplomats held political talks in Istanbul on Friday, reviving nuclear diplomacy at a delicate moment in the region’s geopolitical landscape.
The discussion took place at the Iranian consulate and focused on the future of the 2015 nuclear agreement, the status of indirect Iran and US negotiations, and efforts to avoid further escalation.
Iranian vice-chairman Kazem Galibabadi, who led the Tehran delegation, confirmed that discussions with British, French and German representatives responded as what is known as E3.
“We exchanged views and discussed the current state of nuclear and sanctions-related consultations,” Galibabadi said after the meeting. “Both Iran and E3 are committed to maintaining diplomacy and ongoing dialogue. We will keep the channels open when necessary.”
The conference marked the first formal involvement between Iran and E3 as the planned summit in Rome was cancelled earlier this month due to delays in indirect negotiations between the US and Iran. Deputy Director-General of EU Political Affairs Olof Skoog and Iranian Deputy Minister Majid Takht-Ravanchi were also present in the discussion on Friday.
Tehran continues to express concern that the European party in the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) could stimulate the “snapback mechanism.” Iranian officials warn that such a move could irreversibly damage the agreement and eliminate Europe’s role in future negotiations.
Foreign Minister Abbas Aragut described the Istanbul speech as “a vulnerable but promising beginning” as it is manipulated for the French publication Le Point. However, he warned that “time is running out,” saying, “The decision we make now will shape Iran-European relations in a way that goes far beyond this agreement. Iran is ready to move forward.
Earlier this week, Araguchi reiterated that misuse of the snapback clause would be considered by Tehran as a hostile and irreversible violation of trust.
Iran has had four rounds of indirect nuclear negotiations with the current US administration – mediated by Oman, with both sides calling progress “constructive.” The Iranian team is led by Araghchi, while the US is led by local envoy Steve Witkoff.
Tehran made it clear that the US should include a solid guarantee that it will lift all sanctions and not withdraw from the deal unilaterally, as was done under the Trump administration in 2018.