Iran Set to Resume Nuclear Talks with Three European Powers on Friday

Iran is set to hold critical nuclear talks with France, Germany, and the United Kingdom (UK) in Istanbul following warnings from these European nations—collectively known as the E3—that the failure to resume meaningful negotiations could result in the reinstatement of international sanctions on Tehran. These talks, scheduled for Friday, mark a significant diplomatic moment, especially following recent escalations involving Israeli and U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities about a month ago.

This meeting will be held at the deputy foreign minister level, according to Esmaeil Baghaei, a spokesperson from Iran's Ministry of Foreign Affairs. It follows a joint call between the E3 foreign ministers, the European Union’s (EU) foreign policy chief, and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. This was their first direct communication since the attacks on Iranian nuclear infrastructure by Israel and the United States.

The backdrop to this meeting includes the fragile status of the 2015 Iran nuclear deal, also known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). The deal, which included Iran, the E3, China, Russia, and initially the United States, aimed to limit Iran's nuclear program in exchange for lifting international sanctions. However, the United States unilaterally withdrew from the agreement in 2018 under then-President Donald Trump, a move that significantly strained diplomatic efforts and led to increased tensions in the region.

Since then, sporadic talks have taken place between Iran and the U.S., mediated by countries like Oman, but these have failed to yield substantial progress. One of the main sticking points remains Iran’s uranium enrichment program, which Western powers want reduced to zero to prevent any potential weaponization. Tehran, however, maintains that its nuclear program is entirely civilian in nature.

The E3 countries have made it clear that if the nuclear talks do not resume or fail to deliver tangible results, they will push for the restoration of United Nations sanctions on Iran by the end of August. Iran, for its part, has accused the United States of collusion with Israel in recent attacks that reportedly killed key Iranian military personnel, nuclear scientists, and civilians. The U.S. also claimed responsibility for targeted strikes on three Iranian nuclear sites, stating they were “obliterated.” A ceasefire between the involved parties took effect on June 24.

In response to international pressure, Araghchi criticized the EU and E3, urging them to act responsibly and abandon outdated policies of threats and coercion, such as the “snap-back” mechanism to reimpose sanctions—something Iran argues lacks both legal and moral justification.

Adding another layer to the geopolitical complexity, Russian President Vladimir Putin recently met unexpectedly in the Kremlin with Ali Larijani, the top nuclear adviser to Iran’s supreme leader. During their meeting, Larijani briefed Putin on the deteriorating situation in the Middle East and issues surrounding Iran’s nuclear ambitions. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed that Russia reiterated its stance on stabilizing the region and emphasized political solutions to the nuclear crisis.

While Russia maintains supportive relations with Iran’s leadership and often backs Tehran on international platforms, Moscow has not strongly intervened even after the U.S. joined Israel in military actions against Iran.

This renewed round of diplomacy in Istanbul may prove pivotal in determining whether nuclear de-escalation is still possible—or if tensions will continue to rise in the Middle East.