Iranian and European diplomats met yesterday in Istanbul to embark on the latest drive to unpick the deadlock over Tehran’s nuclear program.
Representatives from the UK, France and Germany, known as the E3 nations, gathered at the Iranian consulate building for talks centered on the possibility of reimposing sanctions on Iran that were lifted in 2015 in exchange for Iran accepting restrictions and monitoring of its nuclear program.
The return of sanctions, known as a “snapback” mechanism, remains on the table, a European diplomat said on condition of anonymity.
Photo: EPA
“A possible delay in triggering snapback has been floated to the Iranians on the condition that there is credible diplomatic engagement by Iran, that they resume full cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency, and that they address concerns about their highly-enriched uranium stockpile,” the diplomat said.
European leaders have said sanctions would resume by the end of next month if there is no progress on containing Iran’s nuclear program.
Meanwhile, Tehran has said that the US needs to rebuild faith in its role in negotiations.
Iranian Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Kazem Gharibabadi said Iran’s engagement was dependent on several key principles that included “rebuilding Iran’s trust — as Iran has absolutely no trust in the United States.”
The talks should not be used “as a platform for hidden agendas such as military action,” he said.
Gharibabadi also insisted that Iran’s right to enrich uranium “in line with its legitimate needs” be respected and sanctions removed.
Gharibabadi described yesterday’s talks as “serious, frank and detailed,” saying that the two sides discussed lifting sanctions and the snapback mechanism while agreeing to further talks.
“Both sides came to the meeting with specific ideas,” he said. “It was agreed that consultations on this matter will continue.”
Yesterday’s talks were held at the deputy ministerial level, with Iran sending Gharibabadi and fellow Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Majid Takht-e Ravanchi.
The identity of the E3 representatives were not clear, but the EU’s deputy foreign policy commissioner was thought to be attending.
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