Iran E3 Officials Meet Vienna Ahead UN Sanctions Snapback

Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has been engaged in urgent diplomatic efforts to prevent the reimposition of UN sanctions on Iran due to its nuclear program, with meetings taking place in New York during the UN General Assembly and discussions planned with European officials from Britain, France, and Germany (the E3). The E3 countries have initiated a 'snapback' mechanism aiming to reinstate sanctions suspended under the 2015 nuclear deal, contingent on Iran cooperating with UN nuclear inspectors and engaging in talks with the United States. While there were reports of meetings in Vienna, Iranian officials clarified that Araghchi's visit is to New York for these negotiations. The situation remains tense, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warning of potential Israeli military action against Iran. The European Union's foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, emphasized the limited window to reach an agreement, underscoring the high risk of diplomatic miscalculations as the deadline approaches. Iran has expressed a preference for diplomatic solutions but warned it will respond appropriately if pressured, with some voices suggesting unprecedented direct talks between Iran's and the U.S. presidents to break the deadlock.