Araghchi: Talks with the Three European Countries Will Be Held Next Tuesday
WANA (Aug 22) – Abbas Araghchi, the Foreign Minister of the Islamic Republic of Iran, announced that negotiations with the three European countries will take place next Tuesday at the level of deputy foreign ministers.
According to domestic media, the Foreign Ministry spokesperson said on Friday, August 22, that a joint phone call was held between Abbas Araghchi and the foreign ministers of France, the UK, and Germany, along with the EU’s foreign policy chief.
The report noted that this call was held within the framework of discussions on the nuclear issue and sanctions.
During the call, Araghchi outlined the Islamic Republic’s stance on the “snapback mechanism” and UN Security Council sanctions, stressing that the European countries have no “legal or moral authority” to use this mechanism and that any such move would have serious consequences.
France, Germany, and the United Kingdom—known collectively as the European Troika—had earlier, on Wednesday, August 12, in a letter to the UN, emphasized an 18-day deadline for the Islamic Republic and urged Tehran to pursue a diplomatic solution to avoid activation of the snapback mechanism, which would mean the reinstatement of UN Security Council sanctions.
What Did Araqchi Tell the EU and Three European Foreign Ministers?
WANA (Aug 22) – The foreign ministers of three European countries and the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy held a phone call with Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araqchi. During the conversation, Araqchi outlined Iran’s position on the so-called “snapback” mechanism, stressing the responsibility of the three European countries and […]
The three European powers added that Tehran has until the end of August to fulfill its commitments and prevent activation of the mechanism.
Under the 2015 nuclear deal, known as the JCPOA, UN sanctions against Iran are set to expire on October 18, unless one of the remaining parties to the agreement (the UK, France, Germany, Russia, or China) triggers the snapback mechanism.
On Wednesday, August 20, in an interview, the Iranian Foreign Minister said that European officials had told him the Islamic Republic must act to avoid the return of UN sanctions, warning that there was little time left for diplomacy.
Rejecting the Europeans’ remarks, Araghchi said that even if the snapback mechanism is activated, diplomacy will not end—but Europe will no longer have a role in it.
He also stated that the reinstatement of UN Security Council sanctions no longer carries the same significance or impact for Iran as it once did.
Iran and the European Troika – WANA
