Iran has agreed to resume nuclear talks with European countries next week, despite warnings of potential unilateral sanctions from the US and its allies. The talks come after tensions escalated following Israeli and US attacks on Iranian nuclear sites in June.
Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi held a call with his French, British, and German counterparts, who agreed that deputy ministers would meet on Tuesday to discuss Iran’s nuclear programme. German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul warned that Europe was prepared to re-impose UN sanctions under the “snapback” mechanism unless Iran commits to a verifiable and lasting deal.
Iran rejected the threat, accusing European countries of lacking “legal and moral competence” to trigger snapback sanctions. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has stated that Iran remains far from building a nuclear weapon, despite claims by Western governments that Tehran is advancing uranium enrichment in violation of international commitments.
The US and its allies have accused Iran of advancing its nuclear programme without providing evidence, while the IAEA has said inspections are essential to ensure Iran’s compliance with international rules. Talks between Iran and the US collapsed in June after Washington and Israel attacked Iranian nuclear sites during a 12-day conflict.
President Masoud Pezeshkian has warned the IAEA to abandon its “double standards” if it hopes to restore cooperation over Iran’s nuclear programme, amid an acute mistrust following Israeli and US attacks on Iranian nuclear sites.
Source: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/8/22/iran-rejects-sanctions-threats-before-renewed-nuclear-talks-with-europe