European leaders set up fresh nuclear talks with Iran.

Israel, US, and European Powers React to Iran’s Nuclear Programme

Israel’s June 13 Surprise Strikes

On June 13, Israel launched a series of unexpected attacks targeting Iran’s key military and nuclear facilities. The strikes were aimed at facilities that Tehran considers crucial for its nuclear ambitions.

United States Attacks on June 22

Three days later, the United States struck Iran’s nuclear sites. The June 22 bombing campaign hit the Fordo enrichment facility in Qom province as well as nuclear research centers in Isfahan and Natanz.

European Powers Schedule New Talks (E3)

• Britain, France, and Germany (the E3 trio) have initiated contact with Iran to arrange new talks for the coming week.
• Iran’s Tasnim news agency reported that Tehran has agreed to hold these talks, citing an unnamed source.
• Consultations are ongoing to determine a suitable date and venue for the discussions.

Russian President’s Meeting with Iranian Adviser

Russian President Vladimir Putin held an unannounced meeting in the Kremlin with Ali Larijani, Iran’s top adviser to the supreme leader on nuclear issues.

• Larijani conveyed assessments of the escalating Middle Eastern situation and Iran’s nuclear programme.
• Putin expressed Russia’s “well‑known positions on stabilising the region and settling Iran’s nuclear programme.”
• Moscow maintains a close relationship with Iran’s clerical leadership but has not fully aligned itself with Tehran following the U.S.‑Israel bombing campaign.

Snapback Mechanism Threatened by European Powers

The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), signed in 2015, placed restrictions on Iran’s nuclear activities in return for sanctions relief. The deal began to unravel in 2018 when the United States re‑imposed sanctions on Iran after withdrawing from the agreement.

• European countries have urged the EU/E3 to trigger the JCPOA’s snapback mechanism if Iran fails to comply.
• Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warned that Western allies have no moral or legal basis to reactivate sanctions.
• In contrast, a German source stated that if no solution is reached over the summer, the snapback remains an option for the E3.

Iran’s Stand on U.S. Negotiations

Iran declared it would not engage in new nuclear talks with the United States if such negotiations required Tehran to abandon its uranium enrichment activities.

• Ali Velayati, an adviser to the supreme leader, said that any negotiations conditioned on stopping enrichment would be null and void.