Background on Key Players and Context
Iran, the European Union (EU), and the troika consisting of Germany, France, and the United Kingdom are set to resume nuclear talks with Iran on the following Tuesday. This comes as the Western bloc seriously considers activating the mechanism to reinstate sanctions against Tehran, following Iran’s alleged breaches of the practically defunct 2015 nuclear deal.
Kaja Kallas, the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, confirmed a significant phone call with her counterparts from Germany (Johann Wadephul), France (Jean-Noël Barrot), and the UK (David Lammy) alongside Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araqchi. Kallas conveyed the EU’s commitment to finding a diplomatic solution to Iran’s nuclear issue.
Approaching Deadlines and Diplomatic Exchanges
Kallas emphasized the importance of Iran’s cooperation with the United States, as the deadline for reinstating the sanctions mechanism is rapidly approaching. According to sources cited by Axios, this “snapback” could be reactivated as early as late August, with the mechanism itself expiring in October.
Jean-Noël Barrot, on Twitter, stressed that “time is running out” and confirmed another meeting on the topic next week. Iranian sources, as reported by Tasnim news agency, confirmed that the meeting will take place on Tuesday at the level of deputy foreign ministers, though the location remains undisclosed.
Iran’s Stance and Response
In response to the European ministers, Araqchi stated that Iran “has never left the path of diplomacy and is prepared for any diplomatic solution that safeguards the rights and interests of the Iranian people.” However, he reiterated his opposition to the sanctions mechanism.
“This should be a decision made by the United Nations Security Council,” Araqchi indicated, adding that neither the E3 (France, Germany, and the UK) nor the EU possesses “legal or moral authority” to invoke the mentioned mechanism. He accused them of abandoning Iran since the US withdrew from the 2015 deal and during the recent conflict with Israel.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who is involved in the talks? Iran, the European Union (EU), Germany, France, the United Kingdom, and possibly other relevant parties.
- What is the main topic of discussion? The resumption of Iran’s nuclear program and potential sanctions under the reinstated mechanism from the 2015 nuclear deal.
- When will the talks resume? The discussions are set to restart on the following Tuesday.
- What is the urgency behind these talks? The Western bloc is concerned about Iran’s nuclear advancements and the approaching deadline to reactivate sanctions.
- What is Iran’s position regarding the sanctions mechanism? Iran opposes the reactivation of sanctions, arguing that only the UN Security Council has the authority to enforce such measures.
