Iran, European Powers to Resume Nuclear Talks in Geneva Amid Tensions Over Enrichment and Sanctions

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Iran will hold nuclear talks on Tuesday with Britain, France, and Germany, alongside the European Union, in Geneva, Iranian state media reported on Monday.

The meeting, to be attended by deputy foreign ministers, marks the second round of negotiations since Iran’s 12-day war with Israel in June, during which the United States carried out strikes against Tehran’s nuclear facilities. The previous talks were held in Istanbul on July 25.

Strained Relations After War

The conflict and subsequent strikes derailed Tehran’s negotiations with Washington and prompted Iran to suspend cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), accusing the UN watchdog of failing to condemn Israeli and US attacks on its nuclear infrastructure.

European Pressure

Britain, France, and Germany — signatories to the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) — have threatened to trigger a “snapback mechanism”, which would reimpose United Nations sanctions lifted under the accord, unless Iran agrees to curb uranium enrichment and restore cooperation with IAEA inspectors.

Iran disputes the legality of invoking the clause, insisting that the European powers have not fulfilled their own commitments under the agreement.

The 2015 Deal and Its Fallout

The JCPOA, reached in 2015 between Iran and six world powers — the UK, France, Germany, the US, Russia, and China — granted Tehran sanctions relief in exchange for restrictions on its nuclear programme. Iran has consistently denied seeking to develop a nuclear weapon.

However, in 2018, the United States under then-President Donald Trump unilaterally withdrew from the accord and reimposed sweeping economic sanctions, prompting Iran to gradually scale back its commitments, particularly on uranium enrichment.

While European signatories reaffirmed their commitment at the time and avoided reinstating sanctions, mechanisms to shield trade with Iran proved ineffective, leaving Tehran in deep economic crisis and high inflation.

Upcoming Deadline

The European deadline to activate the snapback mechanism expires in October, but according to the Financial Times, an extension may be offered if Iran resumes talks with Washington and re-engages with the IAEA.

Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, has rejected that position, insisting that “the Europeans have no right” to invoke the clause.