2025 Iran–European nuclear talks

2025 Iran–European nuclear talks began on 20 June 2025, between Iran and European powers led by the E-3 (France, Germany, and the UK) in response to the ongoing escalation in the Iran–Israel War.[1][2]

History

In April 2025, the United States and Iran began indirect negotiations mediated by Oman and Italy.[3] The talks focused on Iran's nuclear program and specifically on uranium enrichment levels. The US aimed to reach an agreement that would reduce enrichment levels, while Iran sought sanctions relief and to buy time. These talks eventually failed, and the sixth round was cancelled after Israel's airstrikes on Iranian nuclear and military sites. The war brought the talks to a complete halt.[4][5]

On 20 June, European foreign ministers met in Geneva to speak directly with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, following the halted talks between the US and Iran. The European delegation stressed the importance of reducing tensions and restarting diplomatic talks. Araghchi repeated Iran's stance that talks with the U.S. would not resume while tensions remained, but he was open to discussing nuclear and regional issues with European officials.[5][6][7] Simultaneously, President Donald Trump indicated that the U.S. would decide within two weeks whether to take military action against Iran, contingent upon the progress of diplomatic efforts.[8]

In August 2025, the United Kingdom, France, and Germany (knows as the E3) warned they were prepared to trigger the United Nations "snapback" mechanism to reinstate sanctions on Iran’s nuclear programme if it did not return to negotiations by the end of the month. In a joint letter to UN Secretary-General António Guterres, the E3 foreign ministers stated their offer to extend talks had gone unanswered and pledged to use all diplomatic means to prevent Iran from developing a nuclear weapon. Iran previously rejected the E3’s position, with officials insisting existing sanctions be lifted and its right to a civilian nuclear programme recognized before further talks.[9]

Positions

Shift in European policy

European leaders have increasingly supported the U.S. position, calling for Iran to completely stop its uranium enrichment activities. This is a shift from the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), which allowed Iran to keep some enrichment activities. French President Emmanuel Macron and German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul have stressed that Iran must stop enriching uranium, limit its missile program, and stop supporting militant groups in the region.[7]

Iran's position

Iran says its nuclear program is only for peaceful purposes and has refused to stop enriching uranium completely. Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has declared that nuclear weapons are against Islam, and the country insists it has not worked on developing nuclear weapons since 2009.[10][11]

See also

References

  1. ^ "EU to influence Iran nuclear talks from sidelines in Geneva". www.euronews.com. 19 June 2025.
  2. ^ "UK's Lammy to meet European counterparts in Geneva to hold nuclear talks with Iran". Reuters. 19 June 2025. Retrieved 20 June 2025.
  3. ^ "Iran, Europe to hold first meeting since Israel conflict began". Al Jazeera. Retrieved 20 June 2025.
  4. ^ "Iran-Israel latest: Britain withdraws staff from embassy in Tehran". 2025.
  5. ^ a b "Iran's foreign minister holds talks with top European diplomats in Geneva". AP News. 20 June 2025. Retrieved 20 June 2025.
  6. ^ Ambrose, Tom; Taylor, Harry; Coughlan, Joe; Livingstone, Helen (20 June 2025). "Middle East crisis live: Ministers from Europe and Iran to hold talks; UN warns of 'man-made drought' in Gaza". the Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 20 June 2025.
  7. ^ a b "Europeans Shift to Back Trump's Zero-Enrichment Demand". WSJ. Retrieved 20 June 2025.
  8. ^ Glebova, Diana (19 June 2025). "Trump to make final decision 'within the next two weeks' on US taking military action against Iran". Retrieved 20 June 2025.
  9. ^ "UK, France and Germany ready to reimpose sanctions on Iran over nuclear programme". www.bbc.com. 13 August 2025. Retrieved 13 August 2025.
  10. ^ Popli, Nik (13 June 2025). "What To Know About Iran's Nuclear Program After Israel's Strikes". TIME. Retrieved 20 June 2025.
  11. ^ Contreras, Cesareo (18 June 2025). "Is Iran's nuclear program producing energy or developing weapons? A Northeastern expert explains the science of nuclear power". Northeastern Global News. Retrieved 20 June 2025.
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