Europe, Iran clash over nuclear future in key Istanbul negotiations

Iranian and European diplomats convened in Istanbul to initiate a new effort aimed at resolving the ongoing impasse over Tehran’s nuclear program.

Representatives from Britain, France, and Germany—collectively known as the E3—gathered at the Iranian consulate for their first talks since June’s 12-day conflict between Iran and Israel, which saw US bombers target nuclear-related sites in Iran, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media.

The discussions center on the contentious issue of potentially reimposing sanctions on Iran that were lifted under the 2015 nuclear agreement, in exchange for Tehran’s acceptance of stringent monitoring and restrictions on its nuclear activities. The “snapback” mechanism allowing the reinstatement of sanctions “remains on the table,” a European diplomat told reporters on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the talks.

“A possible delay in triggering snapback has been floated to the Iranians on the condition that there is credible diplomatic engagement by Iran, that they resume full cooperation with the IAEA (International Atomic Energy Agency), and that they address concerns about their highly-enriched uranium stockpile,” the diplomat added.

European leaders have warned that sanctions could be reinstated by the end of August if meaningful progress is not achieved to curb Iran’s nuclear ambitions.

Meanwhile, Tehran has insisted that the United States, which withdrew from the deal in 2018 during President Donald Trump’s first term, must rebuild trust before further negotiations can proceed. Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi emphasized Iran’s conditions, stating its engagement depends on “several key principles” including “rebuilding Iran’s trust – as Iran has absolutely no trust in the United States.”

In a social media post on July 24, Gharibabadi also cautioned that the talks “shouldn’t be used as a platform for hidden agendas such as military action.” He underscored Iran’s demand that its right to enrich uranium “in line with its legitimate needs” be respected and called for the removal of sanctions.

Iran has repeatedly warned that it may withdraw from the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty, which obliges it to refrain from developing nuclear weapons, should sanctions be reinstated.

July 25 negotiations were held at the deputy ministerial level, with Iran represented by Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht-e Ravanchi. The E3 delegation’s precise composition was not confirmed, though the European Union’s deputy foreign policy commissioner was reportedly present. The last similar meeting took place in Istanbul in May.

The 2015 nuclear deal originally included the UK, France, Germany, the US, Russia, and China. When the US exited the agreement in 2018, citing insufficient restrictions, the remaining parties have since struggled to maintain the deal’s terms. Under the agreement, neither Russia nor China can veto the reinstatement of sanctions.

Following the recent Israeli and US strikes on Iranian nuclear sites—which involved American B-52 bombers targeting three facilities—Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi accused the E3 of hypocrisy, charging that they “failed to uphold their obligations while supporting Israel’s attacks.”

The heightened tensions also saw Iran retaliate with missile strikes on Israel and an attack on a US base in Qatar, leaving the path forward uncertain.

European officials have expressed a desire to avoid further conflict and remain open to diplomatic solutions, but have cautioned that time is running out.

Although Tehran asserts its willingness to engage diplomatically, it recently suspended cooperation with the IAEA, complicating efforts to restore trust and compliance.

By Vafa Guliyeva