E3 Ministers Probe Iran's Willingness for Fresh Nuclear Talks Amid Rising Tensions

European foreign ministers convened with their Iranian counterpart on Friday, aiming to assess Tehran's potential readiness to negotiate a renewed nuclear deal amidst ongoing Israeli military actions. Diplomatic insiders revealed pre-discussions had occurred with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who indicated a possible U.S. openness for direct talks despite contemplating participation in Israeli strikes to dismantle Iran's nuclear ambitions.

Despite no official confirmation from Washington, a CNN report cited an unnamed U.S. official asserting President Donald Trump's backing of diplomatic efforts by allies. A European diplomat highlighted the necessity for Europe, unhindered by the same diplomatic barriers as the U.S., to engage Iran in discussions over its nuclear program, missile capabilities, and geopolitical maneuvers involving Russia and detained citizens.

As the E3 ministers from Germany, France, and Britain, alongside the EU's foreign policy leader, met Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi, expectations remained cautious. The ministers sought to explore a negotiation track that could result in tougher regulatory inspections for Iran, balancing enrichment permissions, amid complex geopolitical tensions. Optimism proved limited, with high-stakes demands on Iran tempered by acknowledgment of Iran's strategic persistence.

(With inputs from agencies.)