After weeks of battling out an intense geopolitical conflict, Iran has agreed to restart nuclear negotiations with France, Germany and the United Kingdom. The diplomats from the countries with meet for talks in Istanbul later this week on Friday (July 25).
The planned meeting marks the first round of engagement since Israel and the US conducted coordinated strikes on Iranian nuclear infrastructure last month, severely straining already fragile diplomatic ties with Tehran.
Reports by Iranian state media declared that Iran will hold new talks with European powers in Istanbul on Friday, where Iranian officials will meet with representatives from the E3 group of Britain, France and Germany, in what could serve as a fresh opportunity to de-escalate tensions around Tehran’s nuclear programme.
Tehran to meet E3 delegates
The meeting was called after the European nations threatened that sanctions may be reinstated if Iran refuses to return to talks.
Confirming the development, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghai said, “In response to the request of European countries, Iran has agreed to hold a new round of talks.” He added that the meeting would specifically focus on nuclear-related matters.
A senior German diplomatic official, cited by AFP, reiterated that the E3 nations remain committed to ensuring that “Iran must never be allowed to acquire nuclear weapons”.
Nuclear talks halted with the United States
Through Omani mediation, Iran and the United States had engaged in multiple rounds of nuclear negotiations. However, these talks collapsed after US President Donald Trump joined Israel in launching strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, effectively derailing the diplomatic process. This occurred before Israel launched its 12-day military offensive against Iran.
The recent weeks leading up to the revival of the talks witnessed a sharp escalation in tensions between Israel and Iran, marked by direct military strikes and bombings on each other’s territory. In Israel’s support, the United States also increased its involvement, deploying B-2 bombers and bunker-busting munitions to target Iranian nuclear sites. A ceasefire took effect on June 24.