Europe Gives Iran Deadline: Resume Nuclear Talks or Face Sanctions
The foreign ministers of these three countries, known as the E3, along with the EU's foreign policy chief, held a call with Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi, marking their first communication since Israel and the United States conducted air strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities in mid-June.
During the call, the E3 ministers stressed the urgent need for Iran to engage in diplomatic efforts to achieve a verifiable and lasting nuclear agreement.
The E3, along with China and Russia, are the remaining parties to the 2015 nuclear deal with Iran which lifted sanctions in exchange for restrictions on Iran's nuclear activities. However, a UN Security Council resolution supporting the deal will expire on 18 October, leading to the reinstatement of UN sanctions through a process that takes about 30 days. Current Challenges and Stalemate
Since the air strikes, UN atomic watchdog inspectors have left Iran. Meanwhile, Iran has indicated openness to diplomacy, but there are no signs of imminent resumption of nuclear talks between Washington and Tehran.
Diplomats believe that even if talks resume, reaching a comprehensive agreement before the end of August, the final deadline set by Europeans, seems improbable. This challenge is exacerbated by the absence of inspectors to evaluate Iran's remaining nuclear program.
The Europeans have repeatedly stated that without a new nuclear accord, they will activate the 'snapback' mechanism which would reinstate all previous UN sanctions if Iran violates the agreement's terms.
A French diplomatic source, speaking after the call, reiterated the ministers' determination to use the snapback mechanism unless there is concrete progress by summer's end. However, the source did not specify what such progress would entail.
Moreover, Two European diplomats revealed plans to coordinate strategies with the US in the coming days, with the aim to explore the possibility of resuming talks with Iran soon. The urgency of the situation underscores the need for swift action to prevent further escalation and ensure compliance with international agreements.
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