Europe, Iran resume talks in Istanbul as nuclear tensions rise

European diplomats are set to meet Iran in Istanbul on Friday for the first time since U.S. and Israeli strikes in June, aiming to prevent the collapse of the 2015 nuclear deal. With a looming October deadline and enriched uranium unaccounted for, stakes are high.

These European powers, alongside Russia and China remain parties to the 2015 nuclear agreement, which lifted sanctions on Iran in exchange for nuclear limitations. The U.S. exited the deal in 2018.

While no talks between Iran and the U.S. are expected anytime soon, the E3 (France, Germany, UK) stress the urgency of restarting negotiations.

Their concerns include halted IAEA inspections and the unclear status of 400 kg of near-weapons-grade uranium after June’s strikes.

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul stated on 18 July that the E3 is committed to finding a diplomatic solution.

Yet, with the deal’s expiration deadline of 18 October looming, they’re also preparing to trigger the "snapback mechanism," which would reinstate all previous U.N. sanctions.

To buy time, the E3 is expected to offer Iran a six-month extension on the snapback deadline. In return, Tehran must show cooperation with the IAEA, resume eventual dialogue with the U.S., and clarify its uranium stockpile.

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi confirmed a technical IAEA visit is forthcoming but warned of a harsh response if sanctions are reimposed. 

"That's very premature now to discuss the issue of the extension. We have almost about three months actually, till the deadline of 18th of October," Gharibabadi said.

The U.S. has reportedly been coordinating with the E3 on sanctions strategies, while Israel remains actively involved, with officials in Paris discussing Iran-related developments.

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