Iranian, French FM discuss escalating tensions over E3 snapback mechanism

On September 16, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi held a phone conversation with his French counterpart, Jean-Noël Barrot, to discuss the growing tensions surrounding the E3 states' (the UK, France, and Germany) decision to activate the so-called snapback mechanism.

Barrot expressed concern over the current trajectory of escalation and stressed the importance of preserving space for dialogue and a return to diplomacy, Caliber.Az reports, citing the Iranian minister’s Telegram channel.

Araghchi firmly rejected the European states’ activation of the so-called “rollback” mechanism at the UN Security Council, describing it as lacking any political or legal legitimacy and a move that would only deepen crisis and instability.

Reaffirming the exclusively peaceful nature of Iran’s nuclear program, Araghchi recalled the recent agreement reached between Tehran and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). He emphasised that the Islamic Republic continues to view diplomacy as the sole path for resolving international issues, including its nuclear file, and declared Iran’s readiness for any fair and balanced solution that serves mutual interests.

The two ministers also reviewed the state of bilateral relations, including consular issues, and underlined the need to maintain regular contact and consultations between Tehran and Paris.

By Khagan Isayev