Iran, Europe to revive nuclear talks ahead of presdient Trump inauguration
Technicians work in the reactor of Iran's Bushehr nuclear power plant in a 2004 picture, released by Iran's Atomic Energy Organisation.Credit:AP
Iran is set to hold discussions with three European powers on Friday, November 29 regarding its disputed nuclear program, according to the Iranian Foreign Ministry.
This announcement follows the UN atomic watchdog’s recent resolution criticizing Tehran, which was backed by Britain, France, Germany, and the U.S., Reuters reports.
Iran responded with assertive measures, including activating advanced uranium-enriching centrifuges. Amidst escalating tensions, Japan’s Kyodo news agency revealed that the talks, likely in Geneva, aim to address the nuclear impasse before U.S. President-elect Donald Trump’s January inauguration.
An Iranian official confirmed the upcoming talks, emphasizing Iran’s commitment to resolving the nuclear issue through diplomacy: “Iran has never left the table.”
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei added that deputy foreign ministers from Iran and the three European countries would discuss not just nuclear concerns but also regional issues. However, he left the meeting location undisclosed.
This dialogue emerges in the shadow of the 2018 U.S. exit from the 2015 nuclear pact under then-President Trump, which led to renewed sanctions on Iran.
In response, Tehran expanded its nuclear activities, exceeding the pact’s limits by increasing uranium stockpiles, refining to higher purity, and deploying advanced centrifuges.
Efforts under President Joe Biden’s administration to revive the pact through indirect talks have yet to succeed. During his campaign, Trump signaled the urgency of striking a deal, warning of severe consequences if progress stalls.
