Europe Offers Iran Extension on Sanctions Deadline Amid Nuclear Program Concerns

European Nations Seek to De-escalate Tensions with Iran

According to Western diplomatic sources, European nations are preparing to offer Iran an extension on the deadline for reimposing international sanctions, provided Tehran agrees to several key conditions. These conditions include resuming negotiations with the United States and full cooperation with inspectors from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

Upcoming Meeting in Istanbul

Officials from Britain, France, and Germany are scheduled to meet with their Iranian counterparts in Istanbul on Friday. This meeting marks the first direct dialogue between the Islamic Republic and major Western powers since the recent escalation in the region, including the Israeli strike that targeted sites within Iran.

The "Snapback" Mechanism

The three European signatories to the 2015 nuclear deal face a crucial decision regarding the activation of the so-called "snapback" mechanism. This mechanism allows for the reimposition of UN sanctions that were lifted under the nuclear agreement. These countries have repeatedly warned that they will resort to this mechanism if diplomatic efforts fail to curb Iran's nuclear program, especially after Tehran significantly expanded its program in response to the US withdrawal from the agreement and the reimposition of US sanctions.

Proposed Extension and its Conditions

The European proposal aims to alleviate tensions by extending the deadline for imposing UN sanctions for several months. Senior Western diplomats stated that this extension depends on Iran's agreement to resume negotiations with the United States and cooperate with the IAEA. They indicated that any potential extension could last for several months and would require a resolution from the United Nations Security Council.

Iranian Warnings

In contrast, some hardline members of the Iranian parliament have warned that Tehran will withdraw from the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) if UN sanctions are reimposed. These warnings come amid increasing regional tension, especially after the attacks that targeted Iranian nuclear facilities.

Future Negotiations with the IAEA

Despite the tensions, Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharib Abadi announced the arrival of a new technical team from the IAEA in Tehran in the coming weeks to negotiate a "new model" for cooperation, while emphasizing that this will not grant inspectors access to nuclear facilities.

Background to the Negotiations

It is worth noting that Iran and the United States held indirect talks that lasted for two months starting last April, before stopping due to regional tensions. Iranian officials have expressed their willingness to resume talks with the United States, but insist on obtaining guarantees that attacks will not be launched by Israel or the United States during the negotiations.

Iran's Steadfast Position

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi affirmed that the upcoming talks with the three European countries are a continuation of previous negotiations and do not represent any change in the position of the Islamic Republic. He stressed that uranium enrichment will continue and that Iran will not compromise on its rights.