Islamic Republic of Iran Expresses Willingness to Resume Nuclear Talks with UK, France, and Germany

Islamic Republic of Iran Expresses Willingness to Resume Nuclear Talks with UK, France, and Germany

[Tehran, July 20, 2025] — The Islamic Republic of Iran has once again expressed its willingness to engage in negotiations with the United Kingdom, France, and Germany regarding its nuclear program. State media outlet Press TV reported on Sunday that while both sides have agreed in principle to return to the negotiating table next week, a specific time and location for the talks have yet to be finalized.

Background to the Renewed Talks

During a meeting on Thursday with Iran’s foreign minister, senior diplomats from the European trio and the European Union urged Iran to return to diplomacy swiftly. They warned that failure to do so could lead to the activation of the United Nations' "snapback" mechanism, which would reinstate international sanctions.

Previously, Oman had been mediating indirect talks between the United States and Iran. However, that initiative came to a halt after a surprise Israeli airstrike on June 13. The sixth round of talks had been scheduled in Muscat just two days later. The attack killed senior Iranian military officers, nuclear scientists, and civilians. Iran accused the United States of being directly involved in the incident.

This led to a 12-day escalation of intense conflict in the Middle East, which temporarily subsided with a ceasefire on June 24. The United States claimed it had destroyed three key Iranian nuclear facilities in the strikes.

Tehran’s Position: Peaceful Program, Fair Deal Sought

Iran has consistently maintained that its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes and not aimed at developing weapons. However, the United States and European powers have repeatedly expressed suspicion, insisting that Iran must never be allowed to acquire nuclear weapons.

In this context, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated:

“It was the United States that withdrew from the 2015 agreement. Therefore, before any new talks, we need a just, balanced, and mutually beneficial agreement.”

He further added:

“If the EU and the European trio (E3) truly wish to play a responsible role, they must abandon threats and pressure tactics. They have no moral or legal grounds to invoke the 'snapback' mechanism.”