EU accused of attempting to sabotage US-Iran talks in Oman

Fresh revelations from indirect talks between Iran and the United States in Oman suggest that European powers may be attempting to derail diplomatic efforts aimed at reviving dialogue over Tehran’s nuclear program.

While the meeting marked a cautious step forward, European nations are actively seeking to influence — and possibly disrupt — the process, Caliber.Az reports citing Iranian media.

The talks, which took place on April 12 at the residence of Omani Foreign Minister Badr bin Hamad Albusaidi, featured Seyyed Abbas Araghchi representing Iran and Special Presidential Envoy Steve Witkoff on the US side. The session involved fewer than ten written messages exchanged via intermediaries, with both delegations otherwise remaining in their hotels.

A source close to the matter told The Tehran Times that Germany, Britain, and France — collectively known as the E3 — “may be attempting to sabotage the talks, as they believe they must also be part of them.” The E3 reportedly contend that their unique capability to trigger the snapback mechanism — set to expire in October — grants them a pivotal role in any negotiation with Tehran. The snapback mechanism allows for the reimposition of UN sanctions lifted under the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).

As part of their efforts to gain influence, the E3 is said to be involving Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the process, aiming to shape the trajectory of the negotiations. Iran, however, has made its stance clear. It told the U.S. during the Oman meeting that “it would be on Washington to make sure snap back does not get activated.”

In a further effort to apply pressure, European countries are reportedly considering designating Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist entity. “They are currently seeking individual member state support before bringing the proposal to the European Parliament,” the Tehran Times reported.

Additionally, the E3 is planning propaganda campaigns to “draw a rift between Iran, Russia, and China,” in hopes that weakening Tehran’s alliances could hinder its negotiating power with the US.

Despite these headwinds, the talks signal a potential diplomatic opening, though mistrust — especially on Iran’s side — remains a formidable obstacle.

By Vafa Guliyeva