Iran signals willingness to hold nuclear talks with Europeans

France has stated that European powers are prepared for discussions if Tehran demonstrates a genuine commitment. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has expressed his willingness to visit Europe for talks on Tehran’s nuclear program. France has indicated that European powers are also ready for dialogue if Tehran shows it is seriously engaged. Iran is seeking to capitalize on the progress made in nuclear negotiations with the United States, which are set to resume in Oman. Talks with Russia and China have also taken place recently. Tehran’s message to the European powers involved in the 2015 Iran nuclear deal indicates that it is keeping its options open. Discussions between Tehran and the three European powers (France, Germany, and the United Kingdom) have been ongoing since September, focusing on their relations and the nuclear issue. The most recent meeting in March addressed the parameters of a potential agreement to roll back Iran’s nuclear program in exchange for lifting sanctions. European diplomats have expressed interest in further discussions with Iran, despite recent indirect negotiations between Tehran and the US. The E3 countries are in favor of dialogue but are waiting to see Iran’s seriousness in engaging. The US did not inform European countries about the nuclear talks in Oman beforehand, but coordination has improved, with expert-level talks scheduled for Saturday. Western nations suspect Iran of pursuing nuclear weapons, a claim Tehran denies. Discussions between the US and European countries are crucial to pressuring Iran into concessions and potentially reimposing sanctions. The E3 countries are capable of triggering the mechanism for reimposing sanctions if necessary, as the US withdrew from the 2015 nuclear accord. Diplomats are looking to possibly initiate snapback by August if significant progress is not made by then.