Iran, E3 Hold Serious Nuclear Talks, Plan Continued Consultations

Iran and the European Troika—France, Germany, and the United Kingdom—recently held serious, frank, and detailed nuclear talks in Istanbul focused on sanctions relief, Iran's nuclear program, and the contentious snapback sanctions mechanism. The discussions followed heightened tensions after Israel's preemptive strikes on Iranian nuclear and military sites, which led Tehran to withdraw cooperation with the UN's International Atomic Energy Agency and disrupted ongoing nuclear negotiations with Washington. European powers have threatened to trigger the snapback mechanism to reinstate UN sanctions by the end of August if Iran fails to make concrete commitments, including cooperation with the IAEA and addressing uranium enrichment concerns. Iran has strongly criticized the European stance, labeling the snapback threats as illegal and urging the Troika to abandon pressure tactics, while reaffirming its principled positions on nuclear rights. Both sides exchanged specific proposals and agreed to continue consultations, with the looming October deadline for the expiration of the 2015 nuclear deal resolution adding urgency to the diplomacy. The outcome of these negotiations carries significant geopolitical implications, influencing relations among major global powers and shaping the future of the Iran nuclear framework.