Diplomats from Iran and the E3 nations (Britain, France, Germany) convened in Istanbul on Friday to tackle the escalating deadlock over Iran’s nuclear program, the first such talks since a 12-day war with Israel in June 2025, during which U.S. B-52 bombers struck Iranian nuclear facilities. The meeting, held at Iran’s consulate, follows heightened tensions and threats of reimposing U.N. sanctions lifted under the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).

A European diplomat, speaking anonymously, said the “snapback” mechanism to reinstate sanctions remains an option but could be delayed if Iran resumes full cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and addresses its 400+ kg stockpile of 60% enriched uranium, near weapons-grade levels, which the IAEA reported in May could yield about 10 nuclear bombs if further refined. European leaders have set a late August deadline for progress, warning of sanctions otherwise.

Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi emphasized rebuilding trust, eroded since the U.S. withdrew from the JCPOA in 2018 under President Trump, and insisted on Iran’s right to enrich uranium for civilian purposes. Iran suspended IAEA cooperation after the June attacks, banning inspectors and barring IAEA chief Rafael Grossi, citing damaged facilities at Natanz, Fordo, and Esfahan. Tehran denies pursuing nuclear weapons, with President Masoud Pezeshkian affirming compliance with international law in a recent Al Jazeera interview.

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The E3, joined by the EU’s deputy foreign policy commissioner, face Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht-e Ravanchi in talks echoing a May meeting. Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi accused the E3 of hypocrisy for supporting Israel’s strikes while failing JCPOA obligations. Despite Tehran’s threats to exit the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty if sanctions return, both sides express openness to diplomacy, though Iran rejects halting enrichment.

With the JCPOA’s snapback deadline nearing October 2025, the talks are critical to averting further conflict and ensuring Iran’s nuclear activities remain peaceful.

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