Iran to Hold Nuclear Talks with European Powers in Geneva

Iran will meet with Britain, France, and Germany in Geneva on Tuesday for a new round of nuclear talks, Iranian state media reported. The European Union will also take part, with the discussions set at the level of deputy foreign ministers.

This will be the second meeting since Iran’s 12-day conflict with Israel in June, during which the United States struck Iranian nuclear sites. The first round took place in Istanbul on July 25.

The talks follow Iran’s suspension of cooperation with the United Nations’ nuclear watchdog. Tehran criticized the International Atomic Energy Agency for not condemning Israeli and U.S. strikes on its nuclear facilities.

The June conflict, marked by Israeli bombings and Iranian retaliatory attacks, disrupted nuclear negotiations with Washington. The European countries have warned they may trigger a “snapback mechanism” under the 2015 nuclear deal, reinstating UN sanctions unless Iran limits uranium enrichment and resumes cooperation with UN inspectors. Iran has rejected this, accusing the Europeans of failing to meet their commitments under the deal.

The 2015 agreement, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), offered Iran relief from sanctions in exchange for curbs on its nuclear program. Iran has always denied any intention of developing nuclear weapons.

The U.S. withdrew from the deal in 2018 under President Donald Trump, reimposing sanctions. While Britain, France, and Germany stayed committed to the agreement, many Western companies left Iran, which is now facing high inflation and economic challenges.

The European countries have until October to activate the snapback mechanism, though reports suggest they may extend the deadline if Iran resumes talks with Washington and the UN nuclear watchdog. Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, said the Europeans have no authority to make such decisions.