TEHRAN — Iran will meet with Britain, France, and Germany in Istanbul on Friday for nuclear talks, following U.S. President Donald Trump’s remarks that a new deal with Tehran is “getting close.”
The meeting comes after Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warned of “irreversible” consequences if the European trio — known as the E3 — move to trigger the snapback mechanism that would reimpose United Nations sanctions lifted under the 2015 nuclear agreement.
The original deal, signed by Iran, the E3, the U.S., China, and Russia, unraveled in 2018 when Trump unilaterally withdrew and reimposed sweeping sanctions on Iran’s banking and oil sectors. In response, Iran gradually reduced its compliance with the deal’s restrictions, which were monitored by the UN in exchange for sanctions relief.
The E3 is now considering activating the deal’s snapback clause over Iran’s non-compliance — a step that could automatically restore UN sanctions and expires in October. Araghchi cautioned that such a move could trigger a broader nuclear crisis, one that “would primarily affect Europe.” Still, writing in the French weekly Le Point, he said Iran is “ready to turn the page” in its relationship with Europe.
Friday’s discussions, led by deputy foreign ministers, follow a fourth round of indirect U.S.-Iran negotiations, which Tehran described as “difficult but useful.” A U.S. official said Washington was “encouraged” by the progress.
While visiting Qatar on Thursday, Trump said a deal to avoid military confrontation with Iran was within reach. “We’re not going to be making any nuclear dust in Iran,” he stated, referencing the goal of avoiding armed conflict. Talks have been facilitated by Oman and represent the highest-level U.S.-Iran engagement since the U.S. exited the 2015 accord.
U.S. outlet Axios reported that Washington had submitted a written proposal during the latest round of talks. Araghchi denied receiving any document but affirmed Iran’s willingness to “build trust and transparency” if sanctions are lifted.
Trump said he had extended an “olive branch” to Iran but warned the offer was time-bound. He also threatened a return to “massive maximum pressure,” including efforts to eliminate Iran’s oil exports if diplomacy fails.
Iran is currently enriching uranium to 60% — far above the 3.67% limit set by the 2015 deal, but below the 90% needed for weapons-grade material. Tehran insists its nuclear program is peaceful and non-militarized.
On Wednesday, Iran’s atomic energy chief Mohammad Eslami reiterated that enrichment will not be halted, though it remains under International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) supervision. “Iran does not seek nuclear weapons,” he said, “but dismantling our enrichment program is off the table.”
