Media: Iran, European powers hold last-ditch talks to avoid UN sanctions

Iran and European powers are engaged in last-minute discussions to prevent the reimposition of U.N. sanctions on Tehran, though officials from both sides warn that the chances of success are slim.

Two senior Iranian officials and two Western diplomats told Reuters on Monday, September 22, that foreign ministers from Iran, Britain, France, and Germany are scheduled to meet on Tuesday on the sidelines of the U.N. General Assembly to address Iran’s disputed nuclear program amid looming threats of sanctions.

The European trio, known as the E3, launched a 30-day process on August 28 to reinstate U.N. sanctions, accusing Tehran of violating the 2015 nuclear agreement designed to prevent it from developing a nuclear weapon. Tehran has consistently maintained that its nuclear program is intended for peaceful purposes.

“Iran has been in contact with E3/EU officials and (the U.N. nuclear chief Rafael) Grossi since this morning at the U.N. Different ideas have been raised and discussed,” said a senior Iranian official. “Iranian top diplomat will meet with the E3 foreign ministers and EU foreign policy chief (Kaja) Kallas tomorrow and will continue the discussions.” Another senior Iranian official added, “Everyone seems to be trying" to resolve the nuclear dispute. The two European diplomats confirmed the planned meeting on Tuesday.

On September 22, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi urged the European powers to choose “cooperation or confrontation.” He stated, “They have tested Iran repeatedly and know we do not respond to the language of pressure and threat ... I hope we can find a diplomatic solution in the coming days, otherwise Tehran will take appropriate measures,” speaking to state television.

The E3 have proposed delaying the reinstatement of sanctions for up to six months to allow time for talks on a long-term agreement, provided Iran restores access for U.N. nuclear inspectors, addresses concerns about its stock of enriched uranium, and engages in discussions with the United States. However, two European diplomats noted that Iran’s clerical rulers have so far failed to meet these conditions.

euOne diplomat said, “The ball is in Iran’s camp. It is up to it to quickly take the concrete steps in the coming days to avert snapback. If not, then sanctions will be reimposed.” Another European diplomat added, “The minimum would be for Iranians to present the special report and allow some token visit of inspectors to some (nuclear) sites, but even then that probably won’t fly and also chances are the U.S. would veto.”

If Tehran and the E3 do not reach a deal on an extension by the September 27 deadline, all U.N. sanctions will be reimposed. Iran’s economy already struggles under sanctions reimposed in 2018 after U.S. President Donald Trump withdrew from the deal during his first term. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said on Saturday that Iran would overcome any reinstated U.N. sanctions, but insiders note growing public discontent over the state of the economy, with little indication that Iran’s leaders have solutions.

Following U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iranian nuclear sites in June, Iran’s parliament passed a law suspending cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and stipulating that inspections must be approved by Iran’s Supreme National Security Council. On September 9, the IAEA and Tehran reached a new agreement to resume inspections at nuclear facilities.

Araqchi said, “I am in New York to use these remaining days for diplomatic consultations that might lead to a solution ... if it is not found, we will continue our path.”

By Tamilla Hasanova