Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi is expected to hold a joint phone call on August 22 with his counterparts from France, the United Kingdom, and Germany to discuss the stalled nuclear talks and the issue of sanctions, according to Iran’s state news agency IRNA.
The three European powers have warned they could trigger the United Nations “snapback” sanctions mechanism if Tehran does not return to negotiations over its nuclear program. Along with the United States, they argue that Iran may be using its program to develop nuclear weapons capability.
Iran Rejects Nuclear Weapons Claims
Tehran has repeatedly denied seeking nuclear weapons, insisting its program is for peaceful purposes only. Iranian officials argue that Western pressure undermines any chance of constructive dialogue.
Negotiations with the United States—intended to limit Iran’s nuclear ambitions—collapsed in June, after Israel and the U.S. launched strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, triggering a 12-day conflict between Israel and Iran. The confrontation ended with a fragile ceasefire, but left nuclear talks frozen.
IAEA Concerns
Since the attacks, inspectors from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) have been unable to access Iran’s nuclear sites. IAEA chief Rafael Grossi has stressed that inspections are essential for transparency and international trust, warning that the lack of oversight increases uncertainty around Iran’s nuclear intentions.
