Geneva: Top European diplomats have underscored the necessity for ongoing diplomatic engagement with Iran following crucial discussions in Geneva aimed at easing regional tensions and reviving negotiations on Tehran’s nuclear program.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the talks involved Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, and his counterparts from the UK, France, and Germany, collectively known as the E3, along with Kaja Kallas, the EU’s foreign policy chief. The discussions took place as indirect negotiations between Iran and the US were ongoing when Israel launched strikes against Iran’s nuclear and military facilities on June 13, leading to a series of retaliatory actions.
Kaja Kallas emphasized after the meeting that escalating regional tensions serve no one’s interest, highlighting the importance of maintaining open communication channels with Tehran. “We agreed to discuss not only nuclear issues but also broader concerns, keeping the discussions open to make progress,” she stated.
The UK Foreig
n Secretary, David Lammy, echoed this sentiment, urging Tehran to remain engaged in discussions. “We are keen on continuing discussions and negotiations with Iran, and we urge Iran to maintain their talks with the United States,” he remarked, stressing the critical nature of preventing further regional conflict escalation.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot noted that the diplomatic efforts were closely coordinated with key allies, potentially laying the groundwork for more comprehensive negotiations. He emphasized the significance of reaching a negotiated settlement through dialogue, given the risks the crisis poses to both the Middle East and Europe.
Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, emphasized that Iran’s defense capabilities are non-negotiable, expressing Iran’s readiness to consider diplomacy once the aggression ceases and accountability is ensured. He also criticized the E3 and the EU for not condemning the attacks on Iran, while expressing an openness to continue discussions with them.
The 2015 Iran nuclear deal, from which Trump unilaterally withdrew in 2018, remains a point of contention. Iran maintains its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes, while the American president recently indicated a decision on joining Israel’s attacks on Tehran would be made within two weeks.