Iran holds nuclear deal talks with three European countries
- 29 November, 09:10
Iran held talks with UK, Germany and France over its nuclear programme in Geneva on Friday.
The meeting comes just two months before US president-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration and was aimed at removing impasse over Tehran’s nuclear programme. During his first term, Trump had pursued a policy of “maximum pressure” against Iran.The information about the key meeting has been scarce, with foreign ministries of the four countries revealing very few details.
"UK, French & German Political Directors met our Iranian counterpart @Gharibabadi in Geneva today to discuss Iran’s nuclear programme & sanctions, bilateral issues &the regional situation," Christian Turner, political director at the UK Foreign Office, wrote on X social media platform.
Friday’s meeting follows similar meetings held between and European nations in New York in September last year. Iranian delegation was led by diplomat Majid Takht-Ravanchi, political deputy to Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi during the meeting.
On Thursday, the Iranian delegates met with the European Union coordinator of nuclear talks, Enrique Mora, ahead of Friday’s talks. Mora posted on X that they held a "frank exchange... on Iran's military support to Russia that has to stop, the nuclear issue that needs a diplomatic solution, regional tensions (important to avoid further escalation from all sides) and human rights."
Prior to the meeting, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Thursday that Israel would do "everything" to stop Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon.
It should be noted that the crucial meeting was held amid the increased tension in the region. This week saw the signing of a sixty-day cease-fire agreement between Israel and Lebanon where Iranian-backed militant group Hezbollah is based.
