Iran, European powers to resume nuclear talks in Geneva

A new round of nuclear negotiations between Iran and the European troika — comprising the UK, France, and Germany — is set to take place in Geneva on August 26, according to an informed source who spoke to Tasnim News Agency.

The discussions will focus on key nuclear issues and the lifting of sanctions imposed on Iran. The Iranian delegation will be led by Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht Ravanchi, Caliber.Az cites. 

In the lead-up to the talks, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi held telephone conversations on August 22 with his counterparts from the UK, France, Germany, and the European Union’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy. During the calls, Araqchi firmly warned the European parties against any move to trigger the so-called "snapback" mechanism under the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), describing such an action as "legally groundless, morally indefensible, and potentially harmful."

Araqchi emphasised that the three European states lack the legal authority to initiate the snapback process, which could lead to the reimposition of UN sanctions on Iran. He also dismissed proposals to extend UN Security Council Resolution 2231 to provide more time for diplomacy, arguing that such decisions rest exclusively with the Security Council — a process in which Iran will not participate.

Despite the tensions, the EU3 and the EU foreign policy chief reaffirmed their commitment to finding a diplomatic resolution to the nuclear issue.

By Sabina Mammadli