Iran‘s nuclear energy body is currently evaluating the nuclear file, with the nation signaling openness to future talks with Washington, though not at the present time. This comes as the Iranian Foreign Ministry announced that Tehran will engage in nuclear discussions with three European nations in Istanbul next Friday.
Speaking on the sidelines of the Iranian cabinet meeting on Sunday,a representative from Iran’s nuclear energy body stated that the country’s approach to negotiations with European powers is “stronger and more solid than in the past.” The representative emphasized the necessity for Europeans to understand Iran’s positions, indicating significant work to be done during the upcoming meeting.Furthermore,it was stressed that Iran will “definitely seek her rights more strongly after the war.”
This announcement follows a phone call on Friday between the Iranian representative and their British, French, and German counterparts, as well as EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell. During this call, European officials reportedly warned that if iran does not return to talks soon, they would invoke the “Snap Back” mechanism to re-impose sanctions related to the 2015 nuclear agreement, wich aimed to curb Tehran’s nuclear production.
Prior to Israel’s 12-day conflict with Iran, which began on June 13, Iran and the United States had participated in several rounds of nuclear negotiations in Oman.However, these talks reportedly concluded after then-U.S. President Donald Trump,in alignment with Israel,decided to target three Iranian nuclear facilities.
The 2015 nuclear agreement, officially known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), imposed significant restrictions on Iran’s nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief. The agreement began to unravel in 2018 during the Trump administration when the United States withdrew from the deal and reinstated sanctions on Iran.