High-Stakes Nuclear Negotiation: Iran and Europe in Tense Discussions

Iran's Foreign Minister, Abbas Araqchi, will engage in a crucial phone call with counterparts from France, Britain, and Germany on Friday. The focus of the discussion will be the stalled nuclear talks and potential sanctions, as reported by the state news agency IRNA.

The European trio has issued a stern warning, indicating they may activate a 'snapback' mechanism to reinstate United Nations sanctions should Iran fail to resume negotiations over its nuclear program. They, along with the United States, suggest Iran's nuclear activities are a cover for weapon development—a claim Tehran vehemently denies.

The halt in negotiations with the U.S., aimed at limiting Iran's nuclear ambitions, came following joint American and Israeli strikes on Iranian nuclear sites in June. Consequently, the International Atomic Energy Agency inspectors have been denied access to verify nuclear installations, despite IAEA Director Rafael Grossi's assertion of the necessity of such inspections.

(With inputs from agencies.)