Iran, UK, France, and Germany are set to engage in nuclear discussions this Friday

Iran is set to engage in nuclear discussions in Rome on Friday with representatives from Britain, France, and Germany, as stated by Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi on Wednesday. The objective is to enhance strained relations amid critical nuclear negotiations between Tehran and Washington.

This meeting will take place prior to a fourth round of talks this weekend between Iran and the United States, also scheduled in Italy. Araqchi expressed that the three European nations have diminished their influence in the nuclear discussions due to misguided policies, although he emphasized Iran’s willingness to engage in dialogue in Rome.

According to Reuters, Tehran has suggested a meeting with the E3 countries, which are signatories to Iran’s 2015 nuclear agreement that was abandoned by U.S. President Donald Trump in 2018. The E3 political directors have confirmed their participation in the meeting on Friday.

Trump has issued threats of military action against Iran unless a new nuclear agreement is reached. Since the U.S. withdrawal, Iran has significantly surpassed the limitations set by the 2015 deal, raising concerns among European nations that Tehran may pursue nuclear weapons.

Iran maintains that its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes. A U.N. Security Council resolution endorsing the 2015 agreement will expire in October, and France’s foreign minister indicated on Tuesday that Paris would not hesitate to reinstate international sanctions if negotiations fail.

Jean-Noel Barrot warned that such sanctions would severely restrict Iran’s access to technology, investment, and the European market, leading to catastrophic consequences for its economy. In response, Iran’s U.N. representative stated that if France and its allies genuinely seek a diplomatic resolution, they must cease their threats.

Additionally, on Tuesday, the U.S. Treasury Department announced new sanctions targeting a network in Iran and China accused of supplying ballistic missile propellant materials to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

Araqchi stated that the U.S. sanctions imposed during the negotiations conveyed an inappropriate message. Trump has expressed his belief in securing a new agreement that would prevent Iran from developing a nuclear weapon.