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Europeans, Iran Meet in Israel 07/25 06:24
ISTANBUL (AP) -- Iranian and European diplomats met Friday in Istanbul to
embark on the latest drive to unpick the deadlock over Tehran's nuclear program.
Representatives from Britain, France and Germany, known as the E3 nations,
gathered at the Iranian consulate building for the first talks since Iran's
12-day war with Israel in June, which involved U.S. bombers striking
nuclear-related facilities.
The talks are centered on the possibility of reimposing sanctions on Iran
that were lifted in 2015 in exchange for Iran accepting restrictions and
monitoring of its nuclear program.
The return of sanctions, known as a "snapback" mechanism, "remains on the
table," according to a European diplomat speaking on condition of anonymity due
to the sensitivity of the talks.
"A possible delay in triggering snapback has been floated to the Iranians on
the condition that there is credible diplomatic engagement by Iran, that they
resume full cooperation with the IAEA (International Atomic Energy Agency), and
that they address concerns about their highly-enriched uranium stockpile," the
diplomat said.
European leaders have said sanctions will resume by the end of August if
there is no progress on containing Iran's nuclear program.
Tehran, meanwhile, has said the U.S., which withdrew from the 2015 deal
during President Donald Trump 's first term, needs to rebuild faith in its role
in negotiations.
Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi said Iran's engagement was
dependent on "several key principles" that included "rebuilding Iran's trust --
as Iran has absolutely no trust in the United States."
In a social media post Thursday, he also said the talks shouldn't be used
"as a platform for hidden agendas such as military action." Gharibabadi
insisted that Iran's right to enrich uranium "in line with its legitimate
needs" be respected and sanctions removed.
Iran has repeatedly threatened to leave the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty,
which commits it to refrain from developing nuclear weapons, if sanctions
return.
Friday's talks were being held at the deputy ministerial level, with Iran
sending Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht-e Ravanchi. A similar meeting was
held in Istanbul in May. The identity of the E3 representatives were not
immediately clear but the European Union's deputy foreign policy commissioner
was thought to be attending.
The U.K., France and Germany were signatories to the 2015 deal, alongside
the U.S., Russia and China. When the U.S. withdrew in 2018, Trump insisted the
agreement wasn't tough enough. Under the original deal, neither Russia nor
China can veto reimposed sanctions.
Since the Israeli and U.S. strikes on Iran, which saw American B-52 bombers
hit three nuclear sites, Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has accused the
E3 of hypocrisy, saying they failed to uphold their obligations while
supporting Israel's attacks.
Against the backdrop of the conflict, which saw Iran respond with missile
attacks on Israel and a strike on a U.S. base in Qatar, the road ahead remains
uncertain.
While European officials have said they want to avoid further conflict and
are open to a negotiated solution, they have warned that time is running out.
Tehran maintains it is open to diplomacy, though it recently suspended
cooperation with the IAEA.
A central concern for Western powers was highlighted when the IAEA reported
in May that Iran's stockpile of uranium enriched to 60% -- just below
weapons-grade level -- had grown to over 400 kilograms (882 pounds).
In an interview with Al Jazeera that aired Wednesday, Iranian President
Masoud Pezeshkian said Iran is prepared for another war and reiterated that its
nuclear program will continue within the framework of international law while
adding the country had no intention of pursuing nuclear weapons.
A spokesman for Iran's Atomic Energy Organization said Thursday the
country's nuclear industry would "grow back and thrive again" after the recent
attacks by Israel and the U.S.
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