Foreign ministers from the UK, France, and Germany are set to meet with their Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi in Geneva on Friday, potentially marking a diplomatic breakthrough after five days of intense Israeli bombing. The meeting comes as tensions in the region continue to escalate.
Iran has refused to meet with US special envoy Steve Witkoff, citing Israeli attacks across its territory as approved by the US. Araghchi has stated that diplomacy is possible only when Iran’s sovereignty is respected.
The planned talks will focus on how Iran can reduce or close its nuclear program, a key issue in relations with the West. European leaders have called for space to be given to diplomacy and de-escalation, while the US has demanded complete elimination of Iranian domestic enrichment.
This meeting marks the first face-to-face diplomatic engagement since Israel’s attack on Iran’s military and nuclear sites began. The move is seen as a significant development in efforts to calm the region’s tensions and promote dialogue between Iran and its Western partners.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/jun/18/british-german-and-french-foreign-ministers-plan-meeting-with-iranian-counterpart