Iran is set to meet with Britain, France, and Germany in Rome this Friday to discuss the future of its nuclear program, just days before a crucial round of talks with the United States. Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi confirmed the meeting and said Tehran is willing to work with the European nations, despite tensions.
These three European countries—often referred to as the E3—were part of the 2015 nuclear deal that aimed to limit Iran’s nuclear activities in exchange for easing sanctions. But that agreement was thrown into turmoil when the U.S. pulled out in 2018 under President Donald Trump, prompting Iran to expand its nuclear program well beyond the deal’s original limits.
Araqchi criticized the E3 for losing influence due to what he called poor policy decisions, but said Iran is open to dialogue. The Rome meeting is expected to help reduce friction ahead of a fourth round of U.S.-Iran nuclear negotiations, also scheduled in Italy this weekend.
France has warned that it would not hesitate to push for international sanctions if talks fall apart. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said these sanctions would hit Iran’s economy hard by cutting it off from European markets and technology.
In response, Iran’s ambassador to the UN accused France and its allies of undermining diplomacy with threats instead of solutions.
Adding to the pressure, the U.S. this week announced new sanctions targeting a network in Iran and China accused of helping Iran’s military with missile materials. Araqchi criticized the move, saying it sends the “wrong message” during a sensitive time for negotiations.
Despite all this, Trump has expressed confidence that a new deal can still be reached to stop Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon. Iran insists its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes only.
