Iran engages with Europe as UN sanctions threats loom
European Nuclear Talks Resume in Istanbul
Meeting Overview
Iranian officials met with their European counterparts from Germany, Britain and France on Friday for a fresh round of nuclear discussions. This gathering marks the first official meeting since the mid‑June Israeli assault that disrupted the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).
Key Points Discussed
- “Snapback” Sanctions: The European trio—known as the E3—presented the possibility of re‑instating UN sanctions by the end of August, if a mutually acceptable resolution cannot be reached.
- Action Window: The mechanism will expire in October; Tehran has warned of the repercussions if the E3 triggers it.
- Call for Transparency: European diplomats urged Iran to provide “clear gestures” regarding uranium enrichment limits and to resume cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
Iran’s Position
- Legal Objections: Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi described any sanctioned action as “completely illegal”, arguing that the US unilaterally withdrew from the JCPOA in 2018.
- Potential Withdrawal: Tehran warned that re‑imposed sanctions could lead it to reconsider its commitments under the global non‑proliferation treaty.
- Uranium Enrichment: Iranian officials maintain that their “non‑negotiable” right to enrich uranium will continue, despite EU pressure.
Historical Context
Prior to the current hostilities, Washington and Tehran had already debated the value of enrichment. Iran insists it is a sovereign right, whereas the US regards it as a prohibited threshold.
Israeli Involvement
Israel’s June 13 strike intensified the diplomatic crisis, prompting Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Saar to support the enforcement of the snapback mechanism. The attack, coupled with US retaliation on June 22, marked the most serious escalation since the 2015 nuclear deal.
Future Cooperation
- IAEA Engagement: Iran has suspended cooperation with the IAEA amid accusations of bias, though a small technical team is expected to return in the coming weeks under a new framework.
- Military Threats: The Iranian government warned that any attempt to rebuild facilities could provoke additional Israeli strikes.
