Istanbul — Iran and the three European signatories to the 2015 nuclear deal — the United Kingdom, France, and Germany — have agreed to continue diplomatic consultations after a new round of high-level discussions in Istanbul ended without a breakthrough, reported by Tasnim News Agency.
The closed-door meeting, held at the Iranian consulate in Istanbul, brought together Iranian Deputy Foreign Ministers Majid Takht Ravanchi and Kazem Gharibabadi with senior political directors from the E3 countries.
Following the talks, Gharibabadi described the meeting as “serious, frank, and detailed,” noting that both sides exchanged views on ongoing disputes surrounding sanctions relief and Iran’s nuclear program.
He added that Iran had strongly criticized European stances regarding what Tehran refers to as “the recent war of aggression” against its people, and reaffirmed its opposition to the so-called “snapback” mechanism — a provision in the nuclear deal that allows for the reimposition of UN sanctions if Iran is found in non-compliance.
“Both sides came to the meeting with specific ideas, the various aspects of which were examined,” Gharibabadi wrote on X. “It was agreed that consultations on this matter will continue.”
This marked the second round of Iran-E3 talks in Istanbul at the deputy foreign minister level, signaling a cautious revival of diplomatic engagement amid heightened tensions over Iran’s nuclear activities.
On Thursday, Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araqchi reiterated Iran’s unwavering position on its right to peaceful nuclear technology, especially uranium enrichment.
“The world should know that we will continue to steadfastly defend the rights of the Iranian people in peaceful nuclear energy, particularly enrichment,” Araqchi said in remarks carried by Iranian state media.
While no immediate progress was announced, both sides signaled a willingness to continue dialogue — a rare note of diplomacy amid increasing regional and international pressure.
