Iran, European powers discuss Tehran's nuclear negotiations

Iran and the three European powers -- France, Britain, and Germany -- held talks on Wednesday over Tehran's nuclear program and the removal of what Iran described as "cruel" sanctions.

In a joint phone call, Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi spoke with officials from the three countries and the European Union, according to a statement from Iran's Foreign Ministry. The discussions focused on proposals to continue diplomatic dialogue.

Araghchi reaffirmed Iran's commitment to diplomacy and criticized the European powers for triggering the reinstatement of previously lifted United Nations Security Council (UNSC) sanctions, calling the move "without legal or logical justification."

He highlighted Iran's cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), including an agreed framework for fulfilling its safeguards obligations following attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities in June, and stressed the importance of recognizing Tehran's "responsible" approach.

"Now it is the other sides' turn to use the opportunity to continue the diplomatic path and prevent an avoidable crisis," Araghchi said. He called for a "fair and balanced" resolution that protects shared interests and urged European powers to act independently, resisting influence from actors "that do not respect diplomacy or international law."

On Aug. 28, the European trio notified the UNSC that they had triggered the snapback mechanism under the 2015 nuclear deal, formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), potentially reinstating UN sanctions on Iran within 30 days.

Under the JCPOA, Tehran agreed to curb its nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief. The United States unilaterally withdrew from the deal in 2018, reimposed sanctions, and Iran subsequently reduced its compliance.