ALWAGHT- Iran’s foreign minister says Europe has eroded its influence in efforts to resolve Tehran’s nuclear dispute, leaving it with a “diminished” role in future talks.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi criticized the European trio of the UK, Germany, and France (E3) for their recent attempt to reactivate UN sanctions against Iran through the snapback mechanism. Speaking in Tehran after meeting with foreign diplomats, he said the Europeans viewed the snapback as leverage to pressure Iran, but it ultimately complicated diplomacy without solving any problems. He stressed that diplomatic engagement depends on conditions, parties involved, and the balance of negotiations, which have now changed.
Araghchi stated that the three European countries have undermined their credibility in the diplomatic process, and their role in any future negotiations will be significantly diminished. He cited Tehran’s rejection of the E3’s snapback initiative as illegitimate, given the US’s prior withdrawal from the 2015 nuclear deal (JCPOA) and Europe’s alignment with what Iran considers unlawful sanctions. Attempts by Russia and China to extend diplomatic discussions through the UN Security Council failed.
Despite tensions, Araghchi noted that Iran has conducted indirect nuclear talks with the US via intermediaries in recent months, emphasizing that diplomacy remains possible if other parties engage in good faith. He also highlighted that Iran will continue pursuing diplomacy, though future negotiations will differ markedly from past discussions due to recent military actions against Iran and the snapback process.
Regarding cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Araghchi said the recent Cairo agreement is no longer a viable framework. He indicated that Iran will soon announce a new approach to working with the UN nuclear watchdog, criticizing Western countries for rejecting Iran’s efforts toward a balanced negotiated solution due to their excessive demands.
