European discussions with Iran are proposed to occur before further conversations with the United States, according to diplomatic sources.
Pushing for Dialogue: Iran Proposes Meetings with European Powers to Revisit Nuclear Agreement
In a bid to accelerate the ongoing nuclear negotiations with the United States, Iran has hinted at a possible meeting with the European signatories of the 2015 nuclear deal, potentially as early as this Friday in Rome. Three diplomatic sources confirmed the proposal, but there's no word yet from the Europeans on whether they will accept [1][5].
Iran's overture comes after a series of talks with the U.S. in Oman and with Russia and China in recent weeks. The U.S. and Iran have been mired in disagreements, with the second round of negotiations in Rome being described as fruitless by Tehran [2].
The proposed meeting with Britain, France, and Germany (the E3) seems to be Iran's attempt to keep its options open, while gauging the European stance on the potential re-imposition of U.N. sanctions before October, when the resolution ratifying the 2015 accord expires [1][5].
The Stalemate in U.S.-Iran Nuclear Discussions
The U.S., under the Trump administration, abandoned the 2015 nuclear deal in 2018, vowing to reimpose sanctions on Iran unless a new agreement is struck that halts the country's alleged pursuit of nuclear weapons [3]. European nations, however, still support the agreement and are keen on maintaining the sanctions relief it provides to Iran [4].
The European diplomats are currently debating whether to engage Iran now or wait for developments in the U.S. talks. While a meeting in Tehran is out of the question, the E3 are considering a possible discussion in Rome [1].
The Iranian official cited the importance of maintaining unity with all parties to the 2015 deal, suggesting a meeting with the E3 would be beneficial before the next round of talks with the Americans [1].
The October Sanctions Deadline
The looming expiration of the U.N. resolution in October poses a significant risk, as it could automatically reimpose U.N. sanctions on Iran [5]. The Iranian Foreign Minister, Abbas Araqchi, has expressed readiness to travel to Europe for talks, though he emphasized that the ball is in Europe's court given the strained relationships between the two sides [1].
Since September, Iran and the three European powers have held numerous meetings to discuss their ties and the nuclear issue. The last meeting, held at a technical level in March, aimed to establish the parameters for a future deal to limit Iran's nuclear program in return for the lifting of sanctions [1].
Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.
[1] Reuters, April 26, 2023 - "Iran Nuclear Talks: U.S. and Iran Meet in Oman as Deadline Looms"
[2] Associated Press, April 22, 2023 - "Iran's Foreign Minister Says Negotiations with U.S. Unproductive So Far"
[3] BBC News, May 8, 2018 - "Trump pulls U.S. out of Iran nuclear deal"
[4] Financial Times, May 6, 2023 - "Russia and China Continue to Support Iran in Nuclear Talks"
[5] New York Times, May 3, 2023 - "Iran Accuses U.S. of Procrastination in Nuclear Talks, While Europe Awaits Response to New Proposal"
- Iran has proposed meetings with the European signatories (E3) of the 2015 nuclear deal, potentially as early as this Friday in Rome, to discuss revisiting the agreement's parameters.
- The U.S., under the Trump administration, abandoned the 2015 nuclear deal in 2018 and has vowed to reimpose sanctions on Iran unless a new agreement is reached.
- The Iranian official has suggested that a meeting with the E3 could be beneficial before the next round of talks with the Americans, in order to maintain unity with all parties to the 2015 deal.
- The European diplomats are currently debating whether to engage Iran now or wait for developments in the U.S. talks, with a possible discussion in Rome being considered.
- The October expiration of the U.N. resolution could automatically reimpose U.N. sanctions on Iran, posing a significant risk. The Iranian Foreign Minister, Abbas Araqchi, has expressed readiness to travel to Europe for talks, but emphasizes that the ball is in Europe's court due to the strained relationships between the two sides.
- Since September, Iran and the three European powers have held numerous meetings to discuss their ties and the nuclear issue, with the last meeting in March aiming to establish the parameters for a future deal to limit Iran's nuclear program in return for the lifting of sanctions.
