WANA (Jan 13) – The second round of talks between Iran and Europe ( three European countries: the UK, France, and Germany) along with Enrique Mora, the Deputy Secretary-General for Political Affairs of the European Union, is set to take place today and tomorrow (January 13–14) in Geneva. These talks begin as Iran underscores the importance of political will in achieving diplomatic solutions.

 

According to Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister, Seyed Abbas Araghchi, diplomatic solutions are attainable even in the most challenging circumstances. However, this largely depends on the level of political will demonstrated by the parties involved.

 

Context of the Negotiations and Positions of the Parties

Since the 14th administration took office in Iran, negotiations with Europe to build trust and resolve mutual concerns have been pursued more seriously. The main focus of these discussions includes nuclear issues, the lifting of sanctions, and regional matters.

 

Iran remains committed to the JCPOA formula of “lifting sanctions in exchange for nuclear program transparency.” However, direct negotiations with the United States are not currently on the agenda due to the U.S.’s withdrawal from the agreement.

 

Iran and the US: From Military Threat to Nuclear Negotiation

WANA (Jan 02) – A former US diplomat, reflecting on the second Trump administration and recent developments in West Asia, wrote that military action against Iran would entail serious risks for the United States and is unlikely to succeed. Consequently, the best course of action for Washington is to engage in renewed negotiations with Tehran. […]

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Meanwhile, as Iran’s Foreign Minister highlighted in an interview with China’s Central Television, the constructive roles of China and Russia in this process should not be overlooked.

 

The inauguration of Donald Trump as the new U.S. president potentially brings significant implications for the trajectory of these negotiations. However, Iran has warned that any new hardline policies will be met with “maximum resistance.”

 

Tensions and Reactions

Recent remarks by Emmanuel Macron about Iran’s nuclear program approaching the “point of no return” in uranium enrichment and his threats to reinstate sanctions have drawn a response from Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

 

Iran described these statements as deflective and lacking moral credibility, emphasizing that its nuclear activities are conducted under the supervision of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Iran also warned that the European trio’s comments about potentially triggering the snapback mechanism would further complicate the negotiation environment.

 

Iran’s FM Warns of Nuclear Shift, Calls Geneva Talks a Crucial Brainstorming Session

WANA (Nov 28) – Speaking to the media during his visit to Portugal, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi described the upcoming meeting between Iranian and European negotiators in Geneva as a brainstorming session to explore possible ways out of the current impasse.   “I am not optimistic about this meeting because I’m not sure we […]

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Despite claims from the European troika regarding issues such as Iran’s alleged military support for Russia, human rights concerns, and threats to activate the snapback mechanism, Iran continues to stress the importance of building trust and reducing tensions.

 

Majid Takht-Ravanchi, Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister for Political Affairs and senior negotiator, stated in an interview: “Our position has remained consistent over the years. We have declared our readiness to negotiate within the JCPOA framework to lift sanctions. This remains our position today, and we have reiterated our willingness to engage in talks within the JCPOA framework—commitments under the JCPOA in exchange for lifting sanctions. We are in contact with JCPOA members, including the three European countries, China, and Russia.”

 

Meanwhile, some Iranian officials believe that Europe must move away from its self-centered and hostile behavior and reconsider its approach to international responsibilities.

 

The Future of Negotiations

As the expiration of Resolution 2231 approaches in October 2025, the current negotiations are of critical importance. Iran is working to strengthen its role on the international stage by leveraging support from China and Russia while continuing to diversify its trade partners and regional relations.

 

This round of talks will serve as a test for Europe’s diplomatic resolve, with the fate of the nuclear agreement hinging on constructive engagement and the parties’ adherence to their commitments.

 

Adoption of a Resolution by the IAEA Board of Governors Against Iran’s Peaceful Nuclear Program

WANA (Nov 22) – The Board of Governors of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), based on non-technical and politically motivated claims, passed its anti-Iran resolution with a slim majority.   The resolution, adopted by the IAEA Board of Governors, calls on Tehran to take urgent and necessary actions to address alleged safeguards issues, despite […]

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Previously, The first round of talks between Tehran, the European Union representative, and the representatives of the European Troika was held on November 28 and 29.

 

The claim of Iran’s military support for Russia has been repeated time and again, and Iran has denied these allegations. The latest such claim was made by Enrique Mora, the Deputy High Representative for Foreign Affairs of the European Union, on his X account, which was met with a response from Kazem Gharibabadi, Iran’s Deputy for Legal and International Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, on X.

 

In his response, Gharibabadi wrote: “Mora was told that the European Union should stop its selfish and irresponsible behavior regarding the issues and challenges of this continent and international matters. Europe should not project its own problems and mistakes, including those related to the Ukraine conflict, by involving others.”

 

He added, “Europe, with its complicity, especially in relation to the genocide in Gaza, now has no moral standing to advise others on human rights.” Regarding the nuclear issue, Gharibabadi emphasized, “Europe has distanced itself from being an influential player on the Iranian nuclear issue for a long time due to its lack of responsibility and the necessary self-confidence. Europe needs to restore its own position.”