Iran, UK, France, Germany to Hold Nuclear Talks on Friday

Iran is set to engage in nuclear discussions this Friday in Rome with Britain, France, and Germany, Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi announced on Wednesday. These talks come amid ongoing tensions and are aimed at rebuilding ties, especially as crucial negotiations between Iran and the United States also approach.

The upcoming meeting with the three European nations—known collectively as the E3—is scheduled just ahead of a new round of Iran-US nuclear negotiations this weekend, also taking place in Italy. Earlier this week, Reuters reported that Iran had extended an invitation to the E3, all of whom are signatories to the 2015 nuclear agreement that former U.S. President Donald Trump exited in 2018.

Political representatives from the E3 confirmed they would participate in Friday’s talks. Tensions remain high as Trump has repeatedly threatened action against Iran unless a new agreement is reached. Since the U.S. withdrawal, Iran has surpassed the nuclear activity limits outlined in the original accord. While European countries align with Washington’s concerns about Iran potentially developing a nuclear weapon, Tehran maintains its program is entirely peaceful.

Adding to the urgency, a United Nations Security Council resolution endorsing the 2015 deal is set to expire in October. France’s foreign minister has warned that if current negotiations collapse, Paris is prepared to reinstate international sanctions. Such measures, he noted, would effectively isolate Iran from European markets and cut off access to critical technology and investment, severely impacting the Iranian economy.

Iran’s U.N. envoy countered these warnings, stating that threats undermine diplomatic efforts. Meanwhile, on Tuesday, the U.S. Treasury Department issued fresh sanctions targeting a network allegedly involved in supplying missile components to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, with links traced to China.

Araqchi emphasized that American sanctions during ongoing talks could jeopardize progress.