Iran, Europe Set for New Nuclear Talks Amid Tensions
Tehran, 25 August 2025: Iran is set to hold a new round of nuclear talks with Britain, France, and Germany in Geneva on Tuesday, Iranian state media reported. The discussions, involving deputy foreign ministers and EU representatives, mark the second meeting since Iran’s 12-day conflict with Israel in June.
The European powers have warned they may activate a “snapback mechanism” under the 2015 nuclear deal (JCPOA), which could reimpose UN sanctions unless Iran curbs uranium enrichment and resumes cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Iran, however, disputes the legality of this move, citing unmet commitments by the Europeans.
This round follows Iran’s suspension of cooperation with the UN nuclear watchdog, citing its failure to condemn Israeli and US strikes on Tehran’s nuclear sites during the June conflict.
The 2015 JCPOA originally provided Iran with sanctions relief in exchange for restrictions on its nuclear program. After the US withdrew from the deal in 2018, Tehran gradually rolled back its commitments. The European powers, along with China, Russia, and the US, had reaffirmed their support for the accord, but the reactivation of UN sanctions through the snapback mechanism remains a pressing issue.
According to reports, the EU has offered to extend the snapback deadline if Iran resumes nuclear talks and re-engages with the IAEA, but Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has rejected the offer, insisting the Europeans have no authority to do so.
The upcoming Geneva talks will be closely watched, as tensions over Tehran’s nuclear program continue to affect global diplomacy and regional security.
