WANA (Nov 30) –  The political directors of the foreign ministries of the UK, France, and Germany—the three countries that last week sponsored an anti-Iran resolution at the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Board of Governors—announced cautiously after meeting with the Iranian delegation in Geneva that diplomatic talks with Iran will continue.

 

In a coordinated statement posted on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), the senior diplomats stated: “On Friday in Geneva, the political directors of the UK, France, and Germany met with their Iranian counterpart, Mr. Gharibabadi, to discuss Iran’s nuclear program, sanctions, bilateral issues, and the regional situation.”

 

The statement added: “We agreed to continue diplomatic talks in the near future.”

 

Earlier, Kazem Gharibabadi, Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister for Legal Affairs, had shared a similar message on X: “Another round of talks was held with the political directors of France, Germany, and the UK. Bilateral, regional, and international developments, especially nuclear issues and sanctions relief, were discussed and reviewed.”

 

He emphasized that the Islamic Republic of Iran remains resolutely committed to pursuing the interests of its people and prefers dialogue and engagement, noting that both sides agreed to continue diplomatic talks in the near future.

 

On Thursday, the Iranian delegation also met with Enrique Mora, Deputy Secretary-General of the European External Action Service, to exchange views on a range of bilateral and international issues.

 

These discussions between Iran and European countries follow meetings held in October on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York, where both sides agreed to continue their consultations in Geneva. The talks are occurring amidst unnecessary tensions overshadowing Iran-Europe relations, with both sides seeking to find a framework to reduce differences through negotiation, idea exchange, and clarifying positions.

 

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi described the Geneva meeting as a “brainstorming session” and an opportunity to explore ways out of the current situation. However, numerous factors continue to complicate relations, including unfounded accusations about Iran’s involvement in the Ukraine war, Iran’s compensatory steps under the JCPOA, Western concerns about Iran’s nuclear advancements, new sanctions, and European threats to activate the snapback mechanism (which could reinstate sanctions lifted under UN Security Council Resolution 2231). Regional issues and the influence of U.S. policies on European foreign policy further weigh heavily on the relationship. Given the upcoming expiration of Resolution 2231 in 2025, finding common ground seems particularly challenging.

 

Following his meeting with the Iranian delegation, the EU’s Deputy Secretary-General claimed on X that Iran must halt its alleged support for Russia and involvement in the Ukraine war—an accusation repeatedly denied by Tehran. He also reiterated interventionist allegations regarding human rights in Iran.

 

In response, Gharibabadi remarked: “The European Union must abandon its self-centered and irresponsible approach to continental and international issues. It should refrain from deflecting its own problems and mistakes, including regarding the Ukraine conflict, by blaming others. Additionally, Europe, given its complicit behavior—especially that of its three key states—regarding the genocide in Gaza, has no moral standing to lecture others on human rights.”

 

This exchange of statements underscores the serious disagreements between the two sides. However, both parties appear willing to give diplomacy a chance to overcome the current impasse.