Iran escalated tensions with European powers on Monday, accusing Britain, France, and Germany of violating commitments under the 2015 nuclear agreement. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei declared the E3 nations had "been at fault and negligent" in implementing the deal, known formally as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).
The criticism follows warnings from the European trio about reinstating UN sanctions via a "snapback mechanism" by late August if stalled nuclear negotiations fail to progress. Talks between Iranian and E3 deputy foreign ministers are now scheduled for Friday in Istanbul, marking the first high-level dialogue since Israel's alleged strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities last month.
The 2015 agreement – which China, Russia, and the EU also support – had offered sanctions relief in exchange for curbs on Iran's atomic program. However, the U.S. withdrawal in 2018 and subsequent regional tensions have left the deal in limbo. Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi criticized the E3's "worn-out policies of threat," asserting they lack "moral and legal ground" to trigger sanctions snapbacks.
Analysts note the upcoming talks occur against a backdrop of technical hurdles, including disputes over uranium enrichment levels. While Western nations seek to eliminate enrichment capabilities, Tehran maintains its nuclear ambitions are purely peaceful. With the UN Security Council resolution underpinning the JCPOA set to expire October 18, the Istanbul meeting could prove pivotal in determining whether diplomatic channels remain viable.
